Stop Hot-Water Odor and Protect Your Water Heater
Water Tank Tec is an impressed-current cathodic-protection (ICCP) system designed to replace the traditional sacrificial aluminum anode while providing electrically supplied corrosion protection to the steel interior of residential water heaters. Stop Hot-Water Odor. Protect Your Water Heater.
If your hot water has a rotten-egg or sulfur odor, the conventional sacrificial anode may be contributing to the problem.
Water Tank Tec replaces that anode with a titanium-based powered anode and electronically controlled ICCP system.
One System, Two Important Benefits.
Helps eliminate hot-water sulfur odor associated with the conventional sacrificial anode
Provides electrically supplied cathodic corrosion protection for the tank
Designed for long-term operation without routine sacrificial-anode replacement
Fits the existing anode location on many residential water heaters
Designed and engineered specifically for the water-heater application
All orders received by 5:00 AM eastern standard time ship the same day Monday – Saturday.
Our System Ships from Muncie, Indiana.
All emails Answered Within 24 Hours Or Less.
Will Installing a Powered Anode Void My Water Heater Warranty?
It's a reasonable question — and one you should ask before modifying your water heater.
Water Tank Tec has received manufacturer correspondence concerning the installation of our powered-anode system. We provide that documentation so customers can review the information for themselves.
Important: Water-heater warranties vary by manufacturer, model, installation conditions and warranty terms. Always review the warranty documentation for your specific water heater before installation.
What Makes A Powered-Anode System Different?
Powered anodes may look similar from the outside. But the anode is only one part of the system. There are many brands that use different power supplies and anode styles.
A complete ICCP system includes the:
Power supply
Anode
Electrical connections
That's why we believe powered-anode systems should be evaluated based on engineering, electrical characteristics, testing and documented specifications — not simply price or appearance.
Why Does My Hot Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
That familiar sulfur or rotten-egg odor can occur when water chemistry, microorganisms and the conventional sacrificial anode interact inside a water heater. These organisms establish a colony on the anode and actually grow on the anode.
This is especially common in some systems using well water or other non-chlorinated water supplies.
The conventional aluminum anode is designed to be consumed as it protects the tank. In some water conditions, however, that anode can contribute to the conditions associated with sulfur odor.
The First Step Is Removing The Conventional Anode.
Water Tank Tec replaces the sacrificial aluminum anode with a powered titanium anode.
In many installations, removing the conventional anode greatly reduces or eliminates the associated hot-water odor.
But odor can have more than one cause. If the odor remains after installation, the water supply, plumbing, water chemistry and other potential sources should be investigated.
Not every sulfur odor has the same cause — and we won't tell you otherwise.
Removing The Odor Is Only Part Of The Solution.
A powered anode should do more than make your water smell better. Its primary purpose is corrosion protection.
Your water heater contains a steel tank that must be protected from corrosion. A conventional aluminum anode protects that tank by being consumed over time. Water Tank Tec takes a different approach. Instead of consuming a sacrificial anode, Water Tank Tec supplies protection to the tank through an Impressed-Current Cathodic-Protection system.
Our system combines:
Microcontroller-Based Potential Control
Titanium-Based Powered Anode
Controlled Electrical Output
Residential Water-Heater Application
The result is a complete ICCP system designed to provide ongoing electrical cathodic protection without the routine consumption associated with a conventional sacrificial anode.
That’s the difference between simply powering an anode and engineering the system around controlled electrical protection.
Installation Video Of Our Product.
Why ICCP Anodes Don’t Look Like Sacrificial Anodes.
A conventional aluminum anode rod provides galvanic, or sacrificial, corrosion protection. The aluminum is consumed as part of the electrochemical process and therefore eventually requires replacement. This is why they are on average 44 inches long and ¾ inches in diameter.
An impressed-current cathodic-protection (ICCP) system operates differently. Instead of relying solely on the consumption of a sacrificial metal anode, an external power source supplies electrical current to the anode system.
Because the protective current is supplied electrically, an ICCP anode does not operate on the same sacrificial-consumption principle as a conventional aluminum anode.
The physical size and construction of an ICCP anode therefore cannot be evaluated solely by comparing it with the size of a traditional sacrificial anode.
The Controller Is The Heart Of The System.
The powered anode cannot provide controlled cathodic protection by itself. The controller determines how electrical power is delivered to the anode and how the system operates under actual conditions. Water Tank Tec uses a microcontroller-based voltage/potential controller developed specifically for our powered-anode application.
Our engineering considers the relationship between:
Electrical output
Anode characteristics
Water chemistry
Tank conditions
Operating stability
Long-term system performance
We don't believe a powered anode should be evaluated simply by asking:
“Does it have electricity?”
The better question is:
“How is the electrical output controlled?”
Our Controller vs Other Brands.
Why The Controller Is an Important Part of the System.
The controller is an important component of an impressed-current cathodic-protection system.
Electrical output should be appropriate for the application. A system that supplies substantially different electrical conditions from those intended for the application may perform differently.
For that reason, consumers evaluating powered-anode systems should consider more than the physical appearance of the anode itself.
Relevant considerations may include:
How the output is controlled
Whether voltage is regulated
How current is controlled or monitored
Whether the system responds to changing operating conditions
What testing or certification has been performed
Whether the controller was designed specifically for the intended application
Powered Anode Questions & Answers.
Powered-anode advertising can contain many different claims. We believe consumers should examine those claims carefully and ask what the underlying engineering or testing actually demonstrates.
Has The Water Tank Tec Been Independently Tested? Controller Been Tested?
Yes.
The Water Tank Tec controller has undergone independent third-party laboratory testing. Our controller incorporates proprietary design and engineering features developed specifically for our powered-anode system.
Because our technology and manufacturing relationships are proprietary, we do not publish complete laboratory reports or internal engineering documentation publicly.
However, supporting documentation is maintained by Water Tank Tec and may be made available for qualified review under appropriate confidentiality conditions.
We believe customers should be able to know that independent testing exists without requiring us to disclose proprietary information that could compromise our product design or manufacturing relationships.
Will a powered anode eliminate sulfur odor?
It can, when the odor is associated with the conventional sacrificial anode. Sulfur odor can have multiple causes, so odor elimination is not guaranteed in every installation.
Will a powered anode prevent limescale?
No. Limescale is a water-hardness and water-quality issue. A powered anode is not a substitute for a water softener or other water-treatment equipment.
Will it reduce the need to flush my water heater?
No. Regular flushing and maintenance should continue according to the water-heater manufacturer's recommendations.
Will it reduce water hardness?
No. Water hardness requires appropriate water-treatment equipment.
Will it eliminate every sulfur odor?
No. If the odor has another source, replacing the sacrificial anode may not resolve it.
Does the physical size of the anode determine performance?
No. ICCP systems operate differently from sacrificial anodes, so anode size alone does not establish the quality of cathodic protection. ICCP anodes can be much smaller and narow since they do not degrade over time.
Will a Powered Anode Prevent Cloudy Water or Air in the Water Lines?
Cloudy water can have several causes, including dissolved gases, minerals, plumbing conditions, or other water-quality factors. Sediment and mineral deposits inside a water heater can also contribute to operating issues. A powered anode should not be represented as a universal solution for cloudy water, sediment, or air in plumbing.
Why The Power Supply Matters.
A power supply is not automatically an ICCP controller simply because it supplies electricity. Our controller, power system and anode are designed as a complete system for the intended water-heater application. When evaluating a powered-anode system, consumers should consider:
Voltage regulation
Current characteristics
Electrical stability
Output behavior under changing loads
Protection circuitry
Controller output warnings
Compatibility with the anode
Compatibility with the water-heater application
Long-term reliability
Water Tank Tec Is Engineered Around Controlled Electrical Operation-Not Simply Supplying Power To The Anode Rod.
Understanding Powered Anode Differences.
Some powered anode products are sold under different brand names and may use components that appear similar or identical to other brands.
For example, we identified an AQOVOR product advertised at $59.99 that appeared to use a power-supply or electrical component also found in another branded product.
This observation does not, by itself, establish that the products are identical or that they will perform identically. Consumers should compare the complete system, including the controller, power supply, anode, electrical specifications, testing, certifications, and installation requirements.
Water Tank Tec Controller vs. Generic Power Supplies
Water Tank Tec's controller has been developed specifically for our powered-anode application. Our design has been updated as components, microcontrollers, and electrical-control technology have evolved.
Some competing products use commercially available power supplies. The presence of a commercially available power supply does not, by itself, establish whether the complete system is or is not capable of providing appropriate ICCP protection.
Consumers should compare what our system delivers vs other brands.
How Water Tank Tec Takes Care Of Our Customers.
The image below illustrates our commitment to standing behind our product to a consumer who purchased our product 5 years ago.
V-Shaped Anodes: Construction and Sealing
Powered-anode systems use different methods of constructing and sealing. One approach uses a molded or potted material as part of the sealing system. If leaks do occur, and left un-checked, the tanks insulation will become saturated with water.
Water Tank Tec uses an industry-standard rubber O-ring as part of its tank connection and sealing design. The O-ring provides a mechanically compressed seal between the appropriate mating surfaces.
Documented Examples of Leaks and Seal Failures
The photographs below show individual examples of leaking, separation, or other failures that were reported to us or otherwise documented in connection with particular epoxy-sealed powered-anode products.
These photographs are provided for informational and comparative purposes only. They are not intended to establish the failure rate, reliability, or performance of every epoxy-sealed powered-anode product, manufacturer, or design. Individual products may differ substantially in construction and performance.
Our Approach to Comparing Powered-Anode Products
There are many ways to market a powered-anode system.
At Water Tank Tec, we believe consumers benefit from comparisons based on:
Actual product construction
Electrical specifications
Controller design
Anode construction
Sealing method
Laboratory testing
Certification documentation
Installation requirements
Manufacturer claims
Documented product performance
Where we refer to a competitor's advertising, our goal is to identify the claim accurately and allow consumers to compare that claim with the available engineering information.
Where we show photographs of reported failures, we identify them as examples rather than representing them as proof that every product of that type will fail.
Where we make a statement about another manufacturer's product, we strive to base that statement on information that can be independently reviewed.
Disclaimer
This page contains technical comparisons and information concerning powered-anode and impressed-current cathodic-protection systems. References to other products, manufacturers, brands, photographs, screenshots, specifications, or advertising claims are provided for purposes of product comparison and consumer information.
Images and quoted or reproduced claims originating from other manufacturers or sellers are presented as obtained from their publicly available materials and are not intended to imply sponsorship, endorsement, affiliation, or approval by those manufacturers.
We do not claim that every product represented by a particular design, brand, sealing method, or power-supply type will perform identically.
Where Is The Anode Located?
All American water heaters have an anode rod that can be removed. Bradford White, however, uses a ‘nipple’ anode meaning it does not have a port rather it is on the Hot water side of the tank. This replacement is shown on this site further down on the page. Once the Anode Port is found, remove the plastic cover, and foam insulation. Once the Anode is located, use a 1-1/16 inch 6 point socket to extract the previous anode. With the same socket, screw our anode in the same location.
Water Tank Tec Standard vs Recessed Installation.
Below are 2 alternatives for installation. If the anode port is recessed (higher efficiency tanks) we provide a free extension rod that screws onto our anode allowing for wire connection points.
Click here for our PDF installation Instructions.
My Anode Wont Break Loose Or Bradford White Installation.
Some factory anodes can be tough to remove. If you strip the bolt off or simply cant break it loose, you can purchase the below parts for less than $10.00 and install it on the Hot water side of the tank as shown below. This installation will also work with the Bradford White tanks installed on the HOT water side. Keep in mind, always flush the water tank before or after installing our product. This will remove any debris of of the old Anode and any limescale accumulation.
Correct Installation of Bradford white or alternative anode location.
Photos Of Our System Installed.
Bradford White (nipple anodes) Installation.
How To Remove Your Nipple Style Anode Rod Click here for a short video
Bradford White and some A O Smith tanks use a nipple type Anode rod. If you can’t find your anode port on top of the heater then you more than likely have a nipple style rod. These replacement Anodes can not be purchased at Lowe’s or Menard's. These Anode Rods must be purchased on-line.
If your water heater has a single nipple style Anode Rod, please see the below diagram to convert your tank and incorporate our system. We do not sell these parts since by the time you add in USPS shipping costs, it would amount to $35.00 to send you $15.00 worth of parts.
Nipple Style Anode Rod Conversion Hardware.
Finding Your Anode Rod Location - Removing & Extracting. Click On Images For Helpful Notes.
Location Of The Anode Rod Before Ordering our product or purchasing a new Tank.
If you can find the location of your Anode Rod Bolt Top on your existing heater tank, our system can be installed (see above photos). It is advised that if you are purchasing a new water heater that you find the Anode Rod location on their display model. If you can't find the Anode port, ask to see the owners manual. If it is accessible and between 10 to 110 gallons, our product will work in your system. Removing the Factory Anode Rod will require a breaker bar and someone else to steady the tank when removing it.
Helpful Tip On Removing The Factory Anode Rod.
Instead of using thread tape or liquid sealant, the factory chooses to install the Anode Rod using Red Loctite which is a permanent liquid thread sealant and is difficult to remove. Use only a 6 point 1 1/16 socket. Leave the tank full of water or if a new installation, fill the tank full first. The water will help steady the tank. Best results are using a 1/2" breaker bar with a pipe extension. If you have access to an impact wrench, this would be even better. See our customer photos above for removing the foam insulation.
Our Warranty.
We offer a lifetime warranty on our Potential Controller. If the LED ever flashes Red, contact us via email: mray@waterodor.com If we cannot resolve the issue together, a new controller will be sent to you free of charge.
Shipping & Delivery Times. All Below Times Are Indiana Eastern Daylight Savings Time (EDT).
* All Orders Are Shipped USPS Ground Advantage. You Can Expect 1 to 3 Day Delivery times Anywhere In The USA.
* Shipping: All orders received by 5:00 AM Daylight savings time (DST) Monday - Friday ship the same day.
* Saturday Orders By 5:00 AM Ship Same Day.
What You Will Receive.
1 MMO Ti Coated Tank Sensor Rod.
1 Power Supply Control Module With 8' Power Cord.
1 Stainless Steel Extension Rod ‘If Needed’ For Recessed Anodes (insulation depth thickness).
Simple Installation Instructions.
Returns.
Non-Installation Returns After Purchase: 3 Months. If the anode has been installed, a $35.00 deduction will apply to your refund since we do not resale the anode.
Free 1 - 3-day shipping nationwide In The USA.
Our product is manufactured in an ISO-certified facility.
Always Flush Your Water Heater Once Every Year!
We Also Recommend Sanitizing Your Well Every 3 Years. Click Here For How To Perform This Task.
Just a few of our Members
We Are a Proud Sponsor Of The Riley Foundation Helping Children And Families. A portion of our sales goes to Riley’s every Sales Quarter.
Copyright © 2016 - 2026 Water Tank Tec, waterodor.com/water tank tec.com all rights reserved.