How long can your water heater last?  A water heater may last longer than you think. Wenatchee and Leavenworth Real Estate Inspections 

As you may know most hot water heaters are made of metal. And what do water heaters store? You bet… water.  Since metal and water are a naturally bad combination and cause a chemical reaction called a galvanic reaction.

All metals immersed in an electrolyte (water for example) produce an electrical voltage. When two dissimilar metals are in contact (electrically connected by water) they make a galvanic cell (like a battery), the less noble metal (magnesium and aluminum for example) forming the anode and the more noble metal (stainless steel or steel) forming the cathode.

This is a long know principle in plumbing and ship building. To combat this chemical reaction we install sacrificial anode. These anodes take the galvanic hit in place of the tank itself.

Think of this, ships would sink daily if it was not for large anodes installed on their hulls. Many Europeans use electric anodes which last almost forever.

Many water heater manufacturers recommend replacing the anode rod every two to four years depending on the hardness of the water and the quality of the water heater lining. Water that is softened with sodium often equals a shorter life for an anode rod.

                                                      
So by just replacing your factory installed anode with a better one you most likely will double or maybe triple the life of the water heater.

You want to replace the anode before the ship sinks to say (before any corrosion starts).
Spare the rod, corrode the heater ; )

Here is a link for anodes-

http://fierychill.com/components/water-heater-parts/water-heater-anode-rods

The thicker the rod the better.

“The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.”

Thomas Berger

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service