Will a powered anode extend water heater life?

Cold_Fusion

Will a powered anode extend water heater life beyond that of a passive anode rod?

Given that I have softened well water and have no complaints about my current water taste or smell, I'm wondering if changing from a passive anode rod to a powered rod can extend the life of the water heater. The passive rods seem to have about a three year life. I have two water heaters that I use. The indirect is used in the winter when the boiler is already hot and the electric hybrid is used in the summer to reduce the humidity in the room. Both of these water heaters are on the expensive side to purchase and I would like to extend their lives to the maximum.

The second part to this question is: should the unused water heater be stored empty or full? Freezing is not a concern.

Larry Weingarten

Hi, Powered rods only need to be installed once, so there is labor savings. They don’t shed corrosion byproduct, so you have less sediment buildup. The only risk is that they fail without you knowing, but some come with indicator lights so you know what they’re doing. I’m a fan.
The best protection for an unused tank is to keep it full, so the anode can protect all of it.

Yours, Larry

mattmia2

Dies the indirect have an anode? powered anode and full port ball valve for the drain would be what i'd do if i installed a new steel water heater.

Cold_Fusion

Yes, the indirect has a sacrificial anode. It's a Bosch LT160 and the anode is mounted horizontally in the cleanout access port. You can see how it is configured in figure 23 on page 22 of the manual. https://www.bosch-thermotechnology.us/us/media/country_pool/documents/download-buderus-products/buderus-manuals/6720811745_lt160-300_tank_installation_instructions_en_07.2017_us_us.pdf
I have been looking, but I can't find a powered anode that will mount in place of the sacrificial one.
One person suggested enlarging the hole for the anode and welding on a female fitting to allow the use of a traditional powered anode. It's not ideal but I think it might work.

mattmia2

You can install it through a tee in the inlet or outlet like this:
https://www.corroprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/corro-protec-installation-guide-for-bradford-white_EN-2048x1244.jpg