What's happening inside my water heater?
Most water heaters have a rod called an anode rod running down the center of the tank. This rod attracts hard, corrosive materials to reduce buildup in the tank and help the water heater last longer.
Sometimes, the incoming water has too many hard minerals for the anode rod to handle, so these minerals settle at the bottom of the tank. As the water heats up, the minerals can move around, causing a banging noise.
How will a water softener affect my water heater?
Water softeners reduce the hard minerals in your water, which can help your water heater last longer. By removing these minerals before they get into the tank, the anode rod doesn't have to work as hard, and there's less mineral buildup on the tank floor.
Helpful Tip:
Many water heaters come with magnesium anode rods because they are cheaper. However, soft water lacks minerals and can wear down magnesium rods quickly. If you have soft water, it's a good idea to switch to a zinc or aluminum (or hybrid) anode rod, which you can find at most hardware stores. These rods hold up better in soft water.
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