What Is The Function Of The Magnesium Anode Rod Within A Hot Water Heater Tank?
One of the greatest problems of hot water heater tanks is the issue of corrosion that results from the interaction of the steel (which is the basic manufacturing material of the hot water heater tanks) and the moisture, dampness and oxygen. In order to prevent the corrosion process, some hot water heater manufacturers configure a magnesium anode rod in the insides of each tank. This rod plays the role of a miniature lightning rod. An attraction builds up between the electrical current that is present in the water and the magnesium anode rod. However the magnesium corrodes more swiftly and more easily than the other parts. If the water conditions contribute towards producing a high level of electrical conductivity, this anode rod can be corroded in a shorter period of time. Once the magnesium corrodes and disappears, the electricity then starts to corrode the other parts of the tank. It is possible to replace anode rods.
