How to Change a Magnesium Anode in a Solar Water Heater

[@EricZhuSolar]

Wow, as a 13 years experience solar water heater guy, I’m just wondering why don’t you make the Mg rod hole on the top of the tank for easier maintenance?

[@SunbankSolar]

Eric, good question! We put it on the bottom so that you can flush the tank while changing the anode to remove all of the debris. This is an important step, in addition to changing the anode.

[@Lizardsmom2011]

I notice you did not cover or remove the tubes while changing anode. will this damage the Sunbank header if left this way for very long? also is Sunbank completely drained?

[@SunbankSolar]

You can change the anode without draining the water. When you close the isolation valves going to the Sunbank you remove the pressure to the system and so very little water drains out while changing the anode. Having water in the system while changing the anode is important because that helps flush the anode bits out of the system. It only takes a couple of minutes to change then you can restore pressure to the system. To answer your question, you do not want to drain the system and leave it like that with the tubes uncovered.

[@SunbankSolar]

One more note - you'll want to make sure the water temperature in the Sunbank is safe to work with while doing this. Probably best in the early spring or late fall, but consult your controller (thermostat) before removing the anode.