10 Best Anode Rod For Softened Water (Updated in 2023)

If your home water system has a tank-style water heating system, there is a high possibility that it comes with an anode rod.

The water heater lining in a water heater system is prone to corrosion.

An anode rod is added as a sacrificial element so that it corrodes instead of the water heater lining.

Softened water uses an anode rod that is constructed out of steel, aluminum, and magnesium.

Some anode rods also come with a zinc coating at times.

You must get the right kind of anode rod because tap water often contains minerals that eat the heater lining. And as the anode rod sacrifices itself, it will need to be replaced often as well.

If you are looking for the best anode rod for softened water, you’ve come to the right place. Down below we have listed a few of the top anode rods in the market.

Advantages Of Using Anode Rod

No heating system can operate without an anode rod. But why is this part so important? Let’s find out.

1. It Increases The Lifespan Of A Heater

The main task of an anode rod is to protect a water heater from corroding.
A water tank consists of water, heat, and steel. This is the perfect recipe for corrosion. A water heater, when placed in this situation, is bound to rust.

Here, an anode rod will sacrifice itself by rusting in place of the water heater. It does so by attracting corrosive minerals. These minerals eat away at the flexible anode rods and therefore the rod keeps on reducing itself.

When the rod erodes, it gives out electrons into the water tank which prevents it from rusting.

As a water heater is a very expensive thing to replace, the anode rod saves you the bucks. You just have to replace the anode rod from time to time.

2. Reduces Smell

The sulfur bacteria in water will feed on sulfur in your water tank. This produces hydrogen sulfur gas that in turn gives out a very off-putting smell.

An anode rod will also react with the sulfur bacteria in water and eliminate it. In fact, it can get rid of the off-putting smell for years.

Our Top 7 Best Anode Rod For Softened Water in 2023

1. Eau Aluminum Zinc Anode Rod for Water Heater

One problem that we often encounter with water heating systems is a very foul rotten egg smell. This happens because of a reaction between the sulfur and the water. Sulfur gas is created, which results in an off-putting smell.

The first product on our list is this amazing aluminum zinc anode rod from Eau. Aluminum anode rods are amazing for removing smell from hard water. This product comes with zinc and a low coating as well.

Therefore, the sacrificial anode will last a tad bit longer than other aluminum ones on the market, which makes it the best anode rod for soft water.

The aluminum-zinc alloy is the key element responsible for getting rid of the foul smell permanently. By adding this anode rod to your water system, you can get rid of the smell for almost 3 years.

This alloy anode rod is a flexible 44-in long product. Therefore, you can just use the rod according to the size that you need. It has four hinged parts that are less than 12 inches.

Anode rods are meant to corrode. Therefore, you will have to replace them after a few years. This product has been designed so that it can be replaced easily. You won’t have to bring out your tool bag to adjust, or replace this anode rod!

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Highlighted Features:

• Perfect for hard water tanks.
• Can discard rotten egg smell for about three years.
• Comes in 4 hinged parts that can be adjusted according to size.
• Easy to replace and adjust when needed.
• Comes with a 1-1/16″ hex socket tool included with purchase.

2. Ozek Rv Water Heater Magnesium Anode Rod

Besides durability, the material of your anode rod will also determine how safe it is. This anode rod from Ozek RV has been made with high-quality magnesium. As per the manufacturers, the material used is safe for your entire family.

The anode rods come in a pack of two. The rods measure 9.25 inches in length. With the package, you will get NPT threads.

Unfortunately, these anode rods are not flexible. So, you cannot cut them according to the size you need. The size they are available at is perfect for fitting into RVs.

When it comes to compatibility, the units are great for suburban and Mor-flow water tanks. The rods can be added to a 1-1/16 inch socket. Because the anode rods are made of magnesium, they are great for soft water.

When compared to other aluminum anode rods, this one has the capability of attracting more corrosive elements. This way, your water heater gets a prolonged lifespan.

Besides all this, the anode rod is also capable of getting rid of any foul smell in the water.

Highlighted Features:

• Compatible with all suburban and Mor-flow water tanks.
• Gets rid of the rotten egg smell.
• Perfect fit for RVs.
• Magnesium build is capable of attracting more corrosive elements.
• Great fit for soft water supply tanks.

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3. Corro-Protec™ Powered Anode Rod

Next on our list is this extremely powerful anode rod from Corro-protec. This unit has been made with a very strong kind of titanium. Therefore, it has the capability of replacing a hex head anode rod.

The unit comes in different size options as well. You can get an anode rod for water tanks starting from 40 gallons up to 120 gallons.

Installing the anode rod is also very easy. Included with your purchase is a step-by-step and easy-to-follow instruction manual. There is an online PDF version of this instruction as well. Adjusting and replacing the anode rod is hence very simple.

Besides getting rid of any foul smell, and acting as a corrosive element, the rods can also help better the water quality of your tank. The rod does so by reducing mineral accumulation inside the tank. This way, the stress put on the water tank is also reduced, which results in more efficient energy use.

The electric anode rod is capable of removing any foul smell within 24 hours of installation. Besides that, the rod can also get rid of any accumulation of limescale. It’s the best water heater anode rod for improving the quality of water.

Highlighted Features:

• Electric anode that can get rid of foul smell within 24 hours of installation.
• Results in more efficient use of energy.
• Reduces the stress put on the tank.
• Gets rid of limescale buildup.
• Easy to install and replace.

4. Kohree Aluminum Zinc Anode Rod

A flexible water heater aluminum zinc anode rod can be very helpful for at-home installations. This product from Kohree comes with three hinges that attach four anode rods. You can adjust these according to the size your water tank requires.

If you have a narrow installation space on your water tank, this product will be very helpful.

Made with high-quality aluminum zinc, the anode rod can attract corrosive elements to protect your water tank. The anode rods are well known to be durable and safe. These will only need a replacement after almost 5 years of service.

You get 44 inches of this anode rod. And the unit is perfectly compatible with any kind of water heater that supplies hard water. These anode rods are also a great replacement or upgrade for reliance, Richmond, Kenmore, GE, state, and even Rheem anode rods.

Another advantage that you get from using this aluminum zinc anode rod is that it can absorb any oxidizing elements. Also, the anode rods will slowly but surely take out all the smell from your water tank.

If needed you can also use the rods in RVs.

Highlighted Features:

• Great replacement for reliance, Richmond, Kenmore, GE, state, and even Rheem anode rods.
• Can last as long as 5 years.
• Can absorb all kinds of oxidizing elements.
• Completely safe for use.

5. Podoy Magnesium Anode Rod

Compared to any other aluminum anode rods in the market, this magnesium collapsible anode rod is great for keeping your water tank in better condition.

The composition of this Podoy magnesium anode rod allows it to absorb and attract more corrosive elements so that it corrodes instead of the water tank.

Once installed, this magnesium anode rod has to be replaced every two years. Depending on the condition of the water, this time frame might increase or decrease.

The magnesium in the construction helps create a stronger current that prevents the water tank from corroding.

Because the anode rod is so easy to install, it won’t be that much of a hassle to replace it at home. No need to call in a plumber for this situation!

The anode rod measures about 44 inches in length. It also has a 0.8-inch diameter. Each part of the flexible anode rod measures less than 12-inches.

This is so that the rods can also be added to narrow spaces. If needed, the unit can be adjusted to fit into RV water tanks.

The flexible nature of the anode rod will help you adjust the unit according to your size requirement.

Highlighted Features:

• The size of each anode rod is less than 12 inches.
• Can be added to narrow spaces and RV tanks.
• Easy to install and replace.
• It will last about 2 years.
• Magnesium in the construction has exceptional water tank protective qualities.

6. About Fluid Aluminum Zinc Replacement Anode Rods

Installing an anode rod can be quite frustrating at times. Especially, if the product does not come with proper instructions.

With the About Fluid aluminum-zinc replacement anode rods, you don’t have to worry about the installation at all. They provide very easy-to-follow step-by-step printed instructions for their users.

The manual includes every step that you need to follow and also includes small descriptions about how to do it properly. Because the instruction has been written by experienced plumbers, the installation process won’t go wrong.

They include a brass cap with your purchase that you can place on your drain. This way, your bathroom floors stay dry.

Even if your water heater has been installed in a very tight place, the less than 12-inch long anode rods can easily be installed. You get a long 44-inch anode rod that has been hinged into four segments.

Cutting these segments is very easy using any tool such as a hacksaw. Therefore, the anode rod can be adjusted to the size that you need.

Made with aluminum and zinc alloy, this anode rod is great for getting rid of any embarrassing rotten egg smell. Upon installation, the rod can get rid of this smell within a day.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes hinged together in 4 segments.
• Can be cut easily.
• The instruction manual has been written by experienced plumbers.
• Can be fit into tight places.
• Comes with a brass cap that helps keep bathroom floors dry.

7. Blue Lightning Magnesium Flexible Anode Rod

Lastly, on our list, we have this flexible magnesium anode rod. This unit can be a replacement for hex plugs.

It comes in a 44-inch length size that has been hinged into four parts. You can adjust the length of the anode rod according to your water tank needs.

After installation, the anode rod will give you at least two years of service. It can keep your water tank free of corrosion very efficiently.

The anode rod is very easy to install. It’s just like any other anode rod that you would add to your water tank, nothing fancy.

You won’t have to purchase any additional tools to install this unit. At-home tools will do just fine. If needed, you can also find instructional videos on how to install this unit at home on your own.

Users have found that the anode rod was quite capable of getting rid of any foul smell from their water tank as well. The magnesium has quite a strong capability of attracting corrosive elements so that the tank remains in good condition.

The product also does not have any history of causing any harm to your health.

Highlighted Features:

• Very easy to install.
• Magnesium can attract a lot of corrosive elements.
• Can serve you for 2 years.
• Size can be adjusted according to preference.
• Segments are attached via stainless steel braid wires.

How To Choose which Anode Rod To Use On A Water Softener

Choosing the right kind of anode rod is pretty easy if you know what to look for. Here are a few of the features that you need to keep in mind before you make the purchase.

Materials

The first thing that you need to keep in mind before you buy an anode rod for your home is the material.

If you have hard water at home, you will be better off with titanium or even aluminum anode rods. These types of rods make the best anode rod for well water.

But if your home water system is designed to supply softened water, a magnesium anode rod will be the best for softened water.

Size

For softened water, magnesium rods come in a length of 44 inches. These rods also have a few segments. The segments have been added so that you can cut the anode rods to the desired length.

These are also known as flexible design anodes. Aluminum and titanium anode rods come in much smaller sizes.

Ease Of Installation

Calling a professional plumber to set your anode rod every once in a while can be very expensive. It is better if you learn how to install the device yourself. (Watch the video)

With the guide of the right instruction manual (usually provided by the manufacturer), you can install the anode rod very easily.

The packs generally come with all the parts and accessories you will need. Some at-home tools might be needed as well. If the purchased item does not come with Teflon tape, you will have to purchase that separately as well. (Purchase Teflon tape)

Cost

Mostly, anode rods are very affordable. But the price sometimes depends on the material and extra features that have been added to the anode rods.

Magnesium rods for softened water are quite affordable. The titanium ones, which last for years, are the expensive ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Anode Rod Do I Need?

If your home water system supplies hard water, you will need aluminum or titanium anode rods. On the other hand, soft water tanks will need a magnesium anode rod.

2. Which Is Better Aluminum Or Magnesium Anode Rod?

Both the anode rods have their benefits and drawbacks. Aluminum or titanium rods make an ideal anode rod for well water. This is because well water is generally hard water.

When compared, aluminum or titanium anode rods can last a lot longer than magnesium anode rods.

3. How Do I Know What Size Anode Rod To Buy?

The anode that you buy has to cover the full length of your water tank. People usually follow a tip-to-toe length style when buying anode rod.

If your tank does not have its length labeled, you can do the measurement manually and choose a length that is closest to that.

4. How Often Do I Need To Replace My Anode Rod?

If you have hard water, or if the water that is supplied uses a water softener, you will have to replace the anode rod within a year. As soon as the anode rod corrodes to 50%, you will need a replacement. But if you are dealing with soft water, the anode rod can last up to three years.

5. How Long Will A Water Heater Last If You Don’t Use Anode Rod?

Without an anode rod, a water tank will start to corrode in 5 years. But when the rod is added, a water tank has the capability of lasting about 8 to 10 years.

Final Word

Finding the best anode rod for softened water is not that challenging nowadays. It’s just that there are too many options in the market, which might make the decision-making a bit difficult.

Lucky for you, we have listed down all of the top anode rod options here in this article. Just keep the important buying factors in mind before you purchase the anode rod, and you will be satisfied with your purchase.