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What is an anode?

It is a rod made up mainly magnesium and some zinc.

The one in your hot water service is actually called a Sacrificial Anode.

Why sacrificial?

Basically, it was discovered in 1824 when sacrificial anodes made from iron attached to the copper sheath of the hull below the waterline dramatically reduced the corrosion rate of the copper. Therefore, the copper – being the cathode – would last longer, while the iron anode was working.

What does this mean in your Hot Water Service?

The cathode is the mild steel cylinder in your hot water system and without protection it will corrode and fail (burst) very quickly.

So the manufacturers install sacrificial anodes in order to save the cathode (tank) from rusting.

The bad news about this is that when the anode stops protecting 100% coverage of the cylinder – after 3 to 5 years – the tank will start to rust.

Your two options are:

a) Hot water burst – cold showers, $1,200 to $5,000 costly replacement and you get to see this process happen over and over again.

b. Replace the anode and receive a 3 year guarantee, prevent the corrosion for another 3 to 5 years. Cheap, effective and everyone is happy (well, except for the manufacturers)