Many private well owners report smelly hot water. This isn’t a water quality problem unless cold water also smells. The culprit is the anode rod in your water heater. The bacteria in well water react with anode rods, producing hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas mixes in water and makes hot water smelly.
You need to replace the anode rod in your water heater to eliminate the smell. The anode rods for well water are different. Hence, you must buy the new one carefully.
The 8 Best Anode Rods for Well Water
This article will review the 8 best anode rods for well water. We have ensured that the anode rods reviewed below are meant to work with well water and eliminate hot water smells. This article also includes a buying guide and some FAQs to help you make the right purchase decision.
Our Top Picks
- Corro-Protec™ Powered Anode Rod for Water Heater
- Eau 44-inch Aluminum Zinc Anode Rod
- Camco Aluminum Anode Rod
- The Water Connection Aluminum Zinc Water Heater Anode Rod
- Kelaro Store Aluminum Zinc Water Heater Anode Rod
- The Water Connection Aluminum Anode Rod for Bradford White Water Heater
- Corrosion Guard Powered Anode Rod for Water Heater
- FIXODOR Anode Rod for Water Heater
Buying Guide: Factors to consider before buying an anode rod for well water
Material
The type of material will impact how long an anode rod lasts for well water. You have the option to select a titanium or aluminum-zinc anode rod. Titanium anode rods are electrically powered and last longer than non-powered aluminum-zinc rods. They are costly but offer better protection.
Some people suggest against using titanium rods for well water. However, titanium rods work well if a water softener is installed with your well water. Aluminum rods are suggested for hard well water.
Length
Check out the length of the anode rod before buying one. Titanium rods are typically 12-16 inches long. They don’t need to be too long because they use electricity to protect your water heater. Aluminum-zinc rods are longer (42-46 inches). You can cut the rod using a hacksaw as per your heater size.
Compatibility
Make sure that the rod is compatible with your water heater. You need to check two things here; the brand and size of your heater’s tank. Most rods are compatible with standard American heaters except Bradford White, so consider this before buying your next anode rod.
Price
Price is another important factor to consider before buying an anode rod for well water. Anode rods for well water cost $20 to $200 as per the features and lifespan. Titanium rods are costly compared to aluminum rods because they last longer.
Review of Our Top Picks: Best Anode Rod for Well Water
1. Corro-Protec™ Powered Anode Rod for Water Heater
Features
- Material: Titanium
- Compatible Water Heater Size: 40-89 gallon
- Length: 12 inches
- Warranty: 20 years
Even though it is much smaller than typical anode rods, it performs much better. Titanium rods are costly but last longer.
Corro-Protec offers 4 different variants based on tank size. It also has a specific variant for Bradford White Heaters. The manufacturer offers 20 years warranty for your peace of mind.
Private well owners mention that it eliminated smells from hot water within 24 hours of installation. This rod has a 31 mm hex bolt top, so you’ll need a different socket than a typical American heater.
One user mentions that he has 3 water filters before the water heater, but the hot water smelled very bad. The smell finished right after installing this rod. It doesn’t let iron bacteria wreak havoc on your water filter. Users further mention that installation was a breeze. It took less than an hour to install the rod.
Overall, it is an excellent anode rod for well water and comes with recommendations from 100s of users.
Pros
- Quick results
- Easy to install
- Made from titanium
Cons
- Costly
- Poor customer service
2. Eau 44-inch Aluminum Zinc Anode Rod
Features
- Material: Aluminum zinc
- Length: 44 inches
The 44-inch long anode rod is best for removing rotten eggs and fishy smell from hot water. The aluminum alloy rod is not reactive to well-water contaminants like typical magnesium rods. It even works when the water heater gets water from a softener.
The rod is hinged into 4 parts for easy installation. You can cut the rod using a hacksaw. The good part is that this rod has everything required to install it. You get Teflon tape, one 1/16 inch, and chrome finished socket.
The rod fits in standard American heaters using ¾ NPT anode rod connections. The estimated life of this anode rod is 2 years. The manufacturer recommends inspecting the anode rod after two years in heaters using well water.
Users mention that the rod is easy to install as it comes with a socket wrench. One buyer mentioned that he dug a new well, but the hot water smelled awful. He installed this rod on a Richmond water heater. This rod works like a lifesaver for many private well owners. It did wonders where no rod worked.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Affordable
- Works with soft & hard water
Cons
- No warranty
3. Camco Aluminum Anode Rod
Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Length: 42 inches
This is a ¾-inch OD aluminum anode rod to protect your water heater’s tank. The rod is made from high-quality aluminum, so you don’t have to replace the rod for a couple of years.
The best thing about this rod is its low price. It will not drain your pocket if you are running on a budget.
Buyers are happy after installing this rod. Users mention that it took only 15 minutes to install this rod without any hassles. User feedback reveals that cutting the rod as per your required length is easy, and you can do it using a hacksaw. One buyer mentions that he used 2 rods in one tank, which was still cheaper than a factory replacement. He further states that this rod’s quality and finish are at par with costly rods.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to cut and install
Cons
- No warranty
4. The Water Connection Aluminum Zinc Water Heater Anode Rod
Features
- Material: Aluminum zinc
- Length: 44 inches
The sacrificial anode rod for the water heater cures the rotten egg smell and protects your heater’s water tank from corrosion and bacteria.
The good thing about this rod is that it is available in a solid and segmented design. You can buy a segmented variant if you don’t feel comfortable cutting the rod.
The manufacturer suggests not using this rod with a water softener with your well water. Using a powered anode/cathode rod with a water softener is recommended.
Users are 100% satisfied after installing this anode rod. One user mentions that he installed this anode rod on a 10-year-old water heater, and the smell was eliminated within 2 days. It can handle well water with high mineral content. You can even install it without using a water softener.
Buyers express satisfaction for its finish quality, and it is easy to cut as per your requirements.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Great results
- Flexible or solid variants are available
Cons
- Odors come back after 2-3 months
5. Kelaro Store Aluminum Zinc Water Heater Anode Rod
Features
- Material: Aluminum zinc
- Compatible Water Heater Size: 40-89 gallon
- Length: 44 inches
This rod is best for people who find it difficult to cut anode rods. The flexible design has 4 portions that you can break easily with a plier as per your convenience.
The length of this rod is 44 inches. You can use it in water heaters of different sizes.
The rod’s design makes it easier to install the rod as it has a 12-inch clearance. Moreover, the sacrificial anode rod is compatible with common American water heater brands like AO Smith, Kenmore, GE, Reliance, Richmond, and Rheem.
Private well owners mention that this rod helped them eliminate the smell from well water. Users have installed this rod in a 40-89 gallon water heater. It is also best for well water with high iron content. Some buyers also installed it to use with softened water. It worked out for them.
Pros
- Flexible design
- Easy installation
- Quick results
Cons
- It didn’t work for a couple of buyers
6. The Water Connection Aluminum Anode Rod for Bradford White Water Heater
Features
- Material: Aluminum zinc
- Compatible Water Heater Size: Bradford White
- Length: 48 inches
Bradford White is a famous American water heater brand. The problem with this heater is that it doesn’t support common anode rods. It needs a specific anode rod for replacement. You can either go for a costly factory replacement or use aftermarket anode rods specifically built for Bradford White heaters.
This model is available in flexible segmented style and solid style. You can also select a 5-inch nipple variant in both designs.
Bradford White water heaters users term this anode rod as a lifesaver. The rod helped them eliminate the rotten egg smell from hot water. Many buyers using city water also install this rod in Bradford White water heater.
Pros
- Compatible with Bradford White heaters
- Instant results
- Works with well water and city water
Cons
- Large plastic molding may not let it fit
7. Corrosion Guard Powered Anode Rod for Water Heater
Features
- Material: Titanium
- Compatible Water Heater Size: 40-89 gallon
- Warranty: 10 years
It is a titanium anode rod for well water and soft water. The rod comes with all the tools required for installation. It can be used with almost all water heaters except Bradford White and Bock.
The anode rod is electrically powered; it gives better results than sacrificial rods and lasts longer. Powered anode rods are costly, but they last longer.
One buyer mentions that he installed the rod on a 4-year-old water heater that produced awful smelly water. The smell vanished within 2 days, and the hot water bath got much more relaxing.
Pros
- Immediate results
- Works with soft water and hard water
- Easy installation
- Fits in less space
Cons
- The sulfur smell comes back after 3 months
- Damaged wire out of box
8. FIXODOR Anode Rod for Water Heater
Features
- Material: Titanium
- Compatible Water Heater Size: 10-90 gallon
- Warranty: 2 years
This anode rod is best for small water heaters. It can even work in tanks as small as 10 gallons and as big as 90 gallons. The anode rod fits on most water heaters except Bradford White and Bock.
The rod stops the sulfur smell and protects your water heater from corrosion. The manufacturer claims that it lasts for at least 5 years. However, user feedback says that it has 3-4 years age.
Users mention that buying this rod was risky, but it was worth it. The smell disappeared after a couple of days. Private well owners with high iron content in well water also praise this rod.
Pros
- Works for soft & hard water
- Easy installation
- Immediate results
Cons
- Costly
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best anode rod for well water?
Corro-Protec™ is the best electric-powered anode rod for well water, and Eau’s aluminum zinc anode rod is the best sacrificial anode for well water.
Is a special anode rod for well water worth it?
Yes. Well water contains bacteria and iron that corrode magnesium anode rods. Titanium or aluminum alloy rods have more resistance to corrosion and bacterial growth. Hence, they don’t make hot water smelly. The basic purpose behind installing an anode rod is to protect your water heater from corrosion.
How can I install an aftermarket anode rod in the water heater?
The installation process is simple. You don’t need a professional to replace the anode rod on your water heater if you have a user manual. The following directions are generic and may not work for your model.
- Turn off electric power and water supply.
- Disconnect water pressure from the tank.
- Remove the previous anode.
- Wrap Teflon tape on the lower portion of your new anode rod.
- Insert it in the heater and screw it the same way you took it out.
- Make electric connections.
- Turn on the water supply and electric power.
How often should I replace the anode rod if my heater uses well water?
It is recommended to replace the anode rod on your water heater every 2 years. The anode rod may last longer depending on water quality and your usage.
