We rely on our water heaters every day for hot showers and baths, and clean clothes and dishes. One of the most overlooked components of your water heater is a piece of equipment known as the anode rod, commonly referred to as the sacrificial anode. The anode rod may be the most single important factor affecting the lifespan of your water heater.
What Is An Anode Rod?
Anode rods are typically about 39” in length and ¾” in diameter. They are often made out of a steel core wire and wrapped in magnesium, aluminum or zinc. Often screwed to the top of your water heater, the anode rod “sacrifices” itself chemically to the water inside. All metallic elements are reactive on some scale. Because the metal used on the rod’s outside is less “noble” than the steel on the inside of your water heater, the electrolytic reaction with the water in your tank will eat away at the rod instead of damaging the tank itself. It’s an age-old method to make sure your tank water heater doesn’t begin to rust.
Why Get Regular Water Heater Repair and Maintenance in Orlando, FL
The lifespan of your anode rod depends on the composition of the water, the quantity of water running through your water heater on a daily basis, water temperature as well as the quality of the tank itself. The inspection and replacement of your anode rod is an essential part of any homeowner’s maintenance. If you don’t catch a depleted anode rod before it’s too late, then the inside of your water heater’s tank may start to rust. Moreover, it can also break off and bounce around inside your tank, which can cause damage to the tank’s liner.
Knowing how your anode rod affects your hot water supply may help you to avoid water heater repair in Orlando, FL. For water heater repair, maintenance and installation services, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today.