How Can A Metal Rod Save Your Water Heater?

Have you ever wondered what really goes inside a water heater or more importantly how a water heater works? A water heater contains many components and, among them, the metal rod is perhaps the most effective. It is responsible for prolonging the life of your water heater for up to multiple years.

This post will focus on the importance of the anode metal rod inside a water heater and how it enables it to run for several years.

What Is the Water Heater Metal Rod?

The anode metal rod inside the water heater is a steel core wire that has a coating of another metal, such as aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. It is placed through the opening of the water heater exterior in order for there to be a connection of water between the tank’s inner walls and the anode rod.

There are many other components inside the water heater such as the shut-off valve, heat-out pipe, heating mechanism, drain valve, and others. However, it is the metal anode rod that serves the most important function of all – rust prevention. The next section explains how it does so.

How It Saves Your Water Heater?

Metals usually corrode or develop rust due to a process known as oxidization. This happens when the metal anode reacts with the oxygen in the water leading to the loss of metals in the form of electrolytes. When this happens, rust forms on metals and speed up corrosion.

In a water heater where metals are present, preventing corrosion is just as important as heating the water itself. Otherwise, the erosion of electrolytes can lead to a hole in the water tank and lead to a major leakage.

The metal anode rod, in comparison to steel alloy, is far stronger and fights back during oxidization to prevent rust from developing. As a result, the loss of electrons is far greater in the case of a metal anode rod than in a water heater that is made out of steel. That being said, the anode metal does corrode slowly, which is why it is important for you to replace it to prolong the life of your water heater.

If you are looking to get your metal anode heater replaced, we at youroneplumber.net can offer you professionally trained plumbers in Columbia MD and plumbers in Silver Spring. Please get in touch with us today for more information about our services and offering.