Plumbing & Water Heating
An anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod, usually magnesium or aluminum, installed inside a tank water heater so that corrosive water attacks it instead of the steel tank. Once the rod is consumed, the tank lining begins corroding, which is why periodic anode inspection and replacement extends a tank water heater's service life.
In coastal Charleston service the anode works overtime, and when it is silently exhausted the tank itself starts paying the bill — usually as a leak.
Have the anode rod checked every few years, or during any water heater service, and replace it before it is fully consumed. Rotten-egg-smelling hot water can also point to an anode reaction worth diagnosing.
Schedule an appointment with us today — or call and talk to a real person, until 9 PM.
