Anode Rod Replacement in Orange County, CA
Your tank water heater stays protected by a sacrificial anode rod. When it’s used up, the tank starts corroding—and sulfur odors can show up. White Glove Plumbing & Restoration performs anode rod inspection and replacement (magnesium, aluminum-zinc, or powered anode), with clean drain-down, correct torque, and leak-tested reassembly.
✓ Proof of work: photos, parts, and readings
✓ Extend tank life: corrosion protection restored
✓ Fix rotten-egg odor: material or powered anode options
✓ Tight spaces OK: flexible/segment rods for low clearance
✓ Proof of work
✓ Extend tank life
✓ Fix rotten-egg odor
✓ Tight spaces OK
What Is Anode Rod Replacement?
A maintenance service that removes the depleted anode and installs a new sacrificial (magnesium or aluminum-zinc) or powered (impressed-current) anode to protect the steel tank from corrosion and help eliminate sulfur (“rotten-egg”) odor caused by water chemistry and bacteria.
Why Choose White Glove Plumbing
Compliance & safety first: Controlled drain-down, gas/electric lockout, proper sealing, and leak/draft checks.
Defensible documentation: Before/after photos, rod type/lot, odor notes, and recommendations.
Beyond a swap: Powered anode upgrades, partial tank flush, and odor remediation tips (temp/flush/neutralize).
One accountable team: If the tank is near end-of-life, we can replace it same visit—permit and haul-away included.
Immediate Actions (What to Do Now)
Note symptoms: hot-water odor, discoloration, or gritty flakes.
Snap a photo of the heater label (brand/model) and top clearance.
Tell us if you have a softener—it affects rod choice and lifespan.
Don’t overtighten fittings—we’ll handle torque and sealing.
Call our 24/7 dispatcher—we’ll inspect, recommend the right rod, and install.
Common Situations We Handle
Rotten-egg smell on hot water only
Discolored hot water or early signs of corrosion
Older tanks (3–6+ years) that haven’t had an anode check
Softened or well water accelerating anode consumption
Low headroom above the heater (need flex/segment rod)
Survey & Select
Verify model/clearance, water source/softener, odor severity; choose magnesium, aluminum-zinc, or powered anode.
Isolate & Safe Prep
Power/gas OFF, water OFF; relieve pressure; partial drain-down for clean work; protect finishes.
Remove Old Anode
Break factory torque with controlled tools; lift out (segment as needed); assess depletion to set future cadence.
Install New Anode
Seat gasket, apply approved sealant, torque to spec; for powered anode, mount controller and route low-voltage lead neatly.
Refill & Commission
Refill, purge air, restore power/gas; check leaks, draft/CO (gas), verify temperature (~120°F target), and confirm odor plan.
Close-Out & Plan
Provide photos/notes, label rod type/date, advise inspection interval (often 2–3 years; sooner on soft water), and optional annual flush.
What’s Included
Inspection & material recommendation for your water chemistry
Controlled drain-down and safe access to the anode port
Removal of depleted anode and installation of new (flex if needed)
Sealant/torque, leak and combustion/electrical checks
Basic sediment flush and temperature set (~120°F)
Documentation packet (photos, parts, next-service cadence)
Costs & Timelines (What to Expect)
Rotten-egg smell on hot water only
Discolored hot water or early signs of corrosion
Older tanks (3–6+ years) that haven’t had an anode check
Softened or well water accelerating anode consumption
Low headroom above the heater (need flex/segment rod)
Insurance & Compliance Support
Records your stakeholders expect: Photos, part numbers, and service notes for property managers/HOAs.
Policy alignment: We follow manufacturer guidance; COIs available on request.
Home sale ready: We can provide a tidy maintenance record for disclosures.
Risks of Waiting (Why Act Now)
Accelerated tank corrosion and early leaks
Persistent sulfur odors in hot water
Sediment buildup reducing efficiency and recovery
Unplanned replacement costs and water damage risk
Methods, Materials & Quality Standards
Potable-rated (NSF/ANSI 61) magnesium or aluminum-zinc rods; impressed-current powered anodes with listed power supplies.
Correct torque & sealing, dielectric awareness, and neat routing of leads (powered).
Finish-safe tools and protected work area; leak/draft/CO verification where applicable.
Best practices: Set outlet temp ~120°F, recommend annual flush, and recheck anode on a 2–3 year cadence (sooner on softened/well water).
Frequently Asked Questions
Magnesium vs. aluminum-zinc—what’s best?
Magnesium protects aggressively and is common; aluminum-zinc can help with sulfur odor in some waters. We’ll match to your chemistry.
What’s a powered anode?
An impressed-current rod that doesn’t get consumed—great for odor issues and long-term protection with minimal maintenance.
How often should I replace it?
Check at 2–3 years (earlier with soft/well water). Replace when heavily consumed or if odor returns.
Low ceiling—can you still do it?
Yes—flex/segmented rods let us install without lifting the tank.
Will this void my warranty?
No—proper anode replacement supports warranty terms. We document parts and work.
Will hotter water kill the odor?
Raising temp temporarily can help; the right anode + flush is the lasting fix. We’ll set safe delivery ~120°F afterward.
More White Glove Plumbing Hot Water System Services
Proudly Serving All of Orange County
Address: 1430 E Borchard Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (949) 209-5206
Email: office@whitegloveplumbingca.com
White Glove Plumbing is locally based in Santa Ana and serves residential and commercial clients across Orange County with 24/7 emergency plumbing and water-damage restoration.
Our expert team handles leak detection, emergency plumbing, water extraction/dry-out, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, and reconstruction in top OC areas including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente - plus surrounding neighborhoods.
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CALL (949) 209-5206
1430 E Borchard Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705