Our modern lives depend heavily on hot water. We rely on it daily: for cleaning, cooking, dishwashing, bathing, washing clothes, and more. But like with most things, it’s not until the system suddenly breaks down that we realise just how much we depend on it. So to prevent chaos in your home when there’s a sudden shortage of hot water, we’re sharing a simple maintenance tip with you that will help to extend the life of your hot water tank: Replace the anode rod regularly, and your tank will continue running smoothly for years to come!
What is an Anode Rod?
Most hot water tanks are made of steel and contain a thin glass lining to protect the inside of the tank from rust and corrosion. However, tiny pinholes, cracks and/or deterioration in the glass over time can expose the steel underneath to water and risks damaging the water tank. This is where the anode rod comes into play, as another method of defence.
The anode rod is fitted to the inside of the hot water system’s tank. It is made of magnesium or aluminium, and through an electrochemical process it attracts limestone, iron and other mineral particles that are usually present in water. Essentially, the anode rod works by attracting the corrosion process (that would otherwise harm the tank) to itself first. In other words, it sacrifices itself to extend the life of your water heater.
How Often/When Should an Anode Rod be Replaced?
An anode rod is crucial in prolonging the life of your hot water system. Once it has completely corroded, it leaves nothing else to protect the lining of the tank. Any section of exposed steel in the tank’s lining will be the next victim of corrosion, and once the tank has rusted your entire water heater can fail and will need replacing (a rather expensive outcome!). For this reason, it is extremely important that your anode rod is replaced before it fully corrodes and places your water heater at risk.
So how often should you be replacing your hot water anode? There is no 100% certain way to determine how long an anode rod will last, since a variety of factors such as water quality, water usage, and tank quality can all affect its lifespan. For this reason, it is recommended that the rods are regularly replaced at intervals of no longer than 5 years. If you are unsure about the last time your anode rod was replaced, book in a hot water service today. Even if it still has some life left in it, there is no harm in having your anode rod replaced early – for peace of mind. Your hot water technician will examine the state of your tank’s anode rod, along with other parts of the system, and advise whether it is due to be replaced.
Replacing Your Hot Water Anode
Replacing your anode rod before it completely corrodes will drastically extend the life of your hot water system, saving you a significant amount of money and hassle in the long run. Any work on your hot water system is always recommended to be carried out by a licensed plumber. In some cases, attempting to replace the anode yourself could void the hot water system’s warranty.
If you can’t remember the last time your hot water system was serviced, get in touch with Service Today. Our expert hot water technicians can supply and install a new replacement anode rod to ensure your hot water tank stays protected and lives a long, healthy life. Having your system inspected by a licensed and professional Bella Vista plumber or technician not only helps to ensure that your system is functioning efficiently, but it also provides the peace of mind that your hot water tank is not posing a safety risk to you and your family.
This simple inspection and replacement will extend the life of your tank and save you money! Book in your hot water system inspection now by giving the friendly team at Service Today a call on 1300 859 383, or you can make a quick and easy online booking.
Remember: catching minor issues early can save large-scale headaches and expense further down the track.
