The parts of your water heater work together to heat up cool water from the pipes and return it to your plumbing system so that you have continued access to warm water for showering, cleaning, laundry, and more. But one part of your water heater does not really participate in this process at all. The sacrificial anode rod does not help to heat up water, nor does it serve any electro-mechanical purpose. But the anode rod still serves as the hero of the storage tank water heater, essentially sacrificing itself for the good of the tank.
Be sure to service your water heater in Creswell regularly with the help of the friendly technicians at Comfort Flow Heating. We can replace the sacrificial anode rod if necessary and make other vital adjustments in order to keep your system in the best shape possible.
The Anode Rod and Rust Prevention
When you turn on the hot water in your home and notice a reddish-brown color or flakes of rust, you may assume the worst. Rust indicates that your unit has begun to corrode. And once corrosion begins, there’s not much of a chance of saving the tank. A leaking tank could really mess up your home and potentially result in costly renovations, so replacement is often necessary at the first sign of corrosion.
Luckily, rusty water may not always be indicative of a rusted tank. It may just be that the anode rod has rusted through, a part that is simple for a trained technician to replace. In fact, the anode rod is meant to rust—the sole purpose for its presence in the tank.
The anode rod is typically made from aluminum or magnesium. Because these metals are more corrosive than iron, any corrosion should divert to the anode rod before it begins to affect your tank. However, it is possible that the anode rod can corrode so far that rust begins to develop on the tank itself. Prevent this from occurring by scheduling regular water heater maintenance.
When you notice rust from your water heater, let the experts at Comfort Flow Heating check it out. We can replace your water heater or perform any other necessary services for your water heater in Creswell. Give us a call today.
