Unbeknown to most homeowners, there is an amazing sacrificial process going on deep inside their water heater, which is extending the life of their heater, and helping to maintain, thereby the supply of hot water to their house. Hot water heaters are usually made of steel. On the inside of the heater, despite a ceramic lining, the steel is exposed to the electrical current of the water that passes through the tank. The water emits tiny tiny amounts of electricity, in the form of electrons, and over time, if nothing is done to prevent this, the electrons will interact with the steel and corrode it. Industrial chemists using a scale known as the galvanic scale, developed a solution to the problem of . The galvanic scale orders metals into those which are more likely to react and corrode, and those which are more "noble," and less likely to corrode, when placed in an electrical solution. What scientists have done is develop a rod, (the anode rod), made of metals more likely to corrode; and they designed a portal, on top of the heater, through which the rod can be inserted into the water. Like a clown in a bull arena, the more corrodible material of the anode rod diverts electrical current, the source of the corrosion, towards it, and away from the steel, and thus prevents the steel from corroding. This rod is called the "sacrificial" anode rod. Tanks usually come with one or two rods, in place, depending on the length of the warranty. Over time, however, they will be used up, and will stop protecting the tank. Tanks with corroded used up rods, will rust and develop leaks very quickly. The three metals used in most anode rods are zinc, magnesium and aluminum. These metals are low on the galvanic scale and therefore attract current away from the "noble" metals, which are high on the scale. As your tank ages, it is wise to check the anode once a year, and if it is used up to replace it. What should you look for? If you find rough chewed up metal up and down the rod, that's normal. If all you have is the steel core left, than you waited too long. Your tank may already be corroding on the inside, and you need to consider replacing the tank. If the rod looks normal that means it is passivating, and it may or may not be able to do the job it should be doing. Thanks to A-1 Plumbing of Baltimore, a %LINK1% company, for sponsoring this report. If you live in the Baltimore Metro area and are experiencing problems with your %LINK2%, than contact A-1, our licensed plumbers will be happy to assist you.
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An amazing struggle for survival is continually going on deep inside your water heater. This struggle is secretly altered through the inginuity of the manufacterers so as to extend the life of your heater.
A-1 Plumbing of Baltimore is a Baltimore Plumbing Company that provides services for boiler repair , tankless water heater installation and more
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