Protecting Against Corrosion

High water pressure and thermal expansion are a leading cause of premature water heater leaks, but the corrosive effects of water also plays a role.

How corrosive your water is depends on where your water utility gets its water and how your water is treated.

Water softeners greatly increase the corrosive effects of water.

The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater. To reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow all labels on the water heater and the safety instructions in the printed owner's manual.

Step 1: Tools and Supplies

No tools or supplies are needed for this guide.

Step 2: Anode Rods Help Reduce Corrosion

Water heaters come equipped with an anode rod which helps reduce tank corrosion.

Water heaters come equipped with an anode rod which helps reduce tank corrosion.
While anode rods help reduce tank corrosion, they are consumed in the process.
Anode rods are typically made from magnesium, aluminum or zinc alloys.

Step 3: Get Your Anode Rod Checked

Checking and replacing the anode rod from time to time can help prevent premature tank leaks and can extend the life of your water heater.

Checking and replacing the anode rod from time to time can help prevent premature tank leaks and can extend the life of your water heater.
Have your plumber check your water heater's anode rod after the first six months of operation to determine the depletion rate. Most experts advise annual check ups after that.
Have your plumber replace your water heater's anode rod if it's depleted.

Step 4: Water Conditions Affect Anode Rods

Water conditions in your area greatly affect the anode rod's life. Water softeners also reduce the life of anode rods. If your home has a water softener, the anode rod should be checked and replaced more often.

Water conditions in your area greatly affect the anode rod's life. Water softeners also reduce the life of anode rods. If your home has a water softener, the anode rod should be checked and replaced more often.

Step 5: Replace Your Anode Rod

Your water heater's owner's manual will have specific advice about anode rod inspection and replacement.

Your water heater's owner's manual will have specific advice about anode rod inspection and replacement.