What Is A Sacrificial Anode Rod And Why Is It In Your Water Heater?

The water heater is used to heat water at the need of the hour. It does that by heating a bulk of water at a single point of time and transporting it through the system and, a miracle, hot water pours out of your household taps. Curious how the water heater does not rust? Our best AC company Carmel understands your queries and concerns.

It’s not a made-up thing. Water corrodes metal, and your water heater would be a nightmare if it didn’t have a small rod inserted. The sacrificial anode rod is the reason your water heater hasn’t left you unclean after you thought you took a clean bath due to rusty water.

The Working Of The Anode Rod

The three components that produce rust are metal corrosion: iron, oxygen, and water. Even though modern water heaters have a thin glass coating encasing the tank, water can still leak into the cracks and damage the tank. As a result, water heaters have an anode rod put in the tank. 

An anode rod is a composition of magnesium or aluminum. Magnesium and aluminum are both less noble metals, which means that when exposed to water, they corrode quickly. 

Rust is the chemical process of oxidation. When you drop a magnesium or aluminum rod into the water, the bonds between magnesium and aluminum molecules lose electrons more quickly. 

When an anode rod made of aluminum or magnesium is; installed in a water tank, the oxygen in the equation gets the anode rod’s two electrons faster than the iron water tank.

Because the anode rod rusts faster than a tank’s iron or steel, the tank continues to move until the anode rod’s metal has completely rusted away and water heater repair in Monterey is needed.

How Long Do Anode Rods Working Last?

Unfortunately, a sacrificial anode rod is called that because it sacrifices its life to save the tank’s lining from rusting. It will eventually rust away, and it will no longer have electrons to give out to protect the tank’s electrons from rusting. 

The water heater’s tank may rust after the anode rod has eroded, causing the water heater to fail and you’ll have to spend hundreds of dollars on a new water heater. That’s why your anode rod needs replacement and inspection every three years. 

If you have a home warranty that includes your water heater in your home, bear in mind that if the anode rod is not properly maintained, the water heater is in danger. 

A home appliance warranty, on the other hand, will cover your water heater if it breaks down due to normal wear and use. All you’ll have to pay is the charges for water heater repair in Monterey or water heater replacement.

For inspection, call us! 

For more information on heater systems and how the warranties cover your plumbing and water heater, connect with the best AC company in Carmel, Monterey Peninsula Sheet Metal and Heating’s website. 

Check out our services to learn more about your water heater and plumbing and give MPH a call.