Usually the rust in a tank or plumbing system remains unnoticed until, say, the tank develops a leak, by then the damage that is done could be devastating and it will too late stop the consequences of a massive leak. A rod called an anode can be fitted with the result being a massive reduction in the rust formation. It is also can be referred to as a ‘Sacrificial Anode’. The names comes from the action that it performs, in other words it sacrifices itself instead of the tank metal. The anode achieves this sacrifice by rotting away instead of the tank metal (in other words it takes its place), so as long as the anode is in good condition the tank damage is greatly reduced. You cannot see the condition of the anode by just looking at your water heater. It requires the power to be isolated and actually removing it for a visual inspection. Regents Park Plumbers are experienced with this piece of kit. This can be done every couple of years as the rusting is quite a slow process. The anode is really quite easy to replace with a new rod. They come in different shapes and sizes, so it helps to have all the relevant information for your particular system when you need to purchase a new one. This detail is usually on the water-heater housing itself.


Replace:

a). Isolate the electrical power that feeds the tank’s heater. Make sure that the cold water is also isolated at the inlet valve. Then, unscrew the hexagonal bolt that holds the anode in place on the tank. (Usually on the top).

b). Remove the remnants of the old anode and throw away responsibly.

c). Fit the new anode by sitting it in the hole on the tank. A Regents Park Plumber can replace this. You can use Teflon tape on the threaded fitting to prevent any leaks. Return the power supply and visually inspect your work.