Water Heater Corrosion and How to Prevent It

Water Heater Corrosion and How to Prevent It

Part of any great functioning home is a water heater. We rely on hot water for showers, washing dishes, laundry, and so much more. However, if you've recently looked at your water heater and it has corrosion forming, it can make you worried.

What Causes Corrosion on a Water Heater?

Corrosion happens when metal is gradually destroyed due to an electrochemical reaction. The most common type of corrosion in a water heater is its metal construct reacting to oxygen exposure. This creates rust that will slowly eat away the entire metal structure.

It all starts with a small water heater component known as the anode. This sits directly inside your water heater and can be constructed of zinc, aluminum, or even magnesium. This anode rod is meant to attract particles of limestone, iron, and other minerals that are present within the water.

Over time, this rod will start to corrode. It's recommended that you have the anode rod replaced by a licensed plumbing professional every three to five years. If you don't regularly replace the anode rod, it can lead to more corrosion. Additionally, if the exterior of your water heater comes into contact with standing water for a period of time, it can easily start to corrode.

How Can Corrosion Affect How Your Water Heater Works?

When the anode rod inside starts to rust, you'll notice that your hot water has a tint of orange, yellow, or red. This is simply the rust that is present in your water. If left unchecked, this corrosion will spread to the various components inside your water heater. Eventually, the heating elements and thermostats will fail to work, and you'll have lukewarm or cold water.

How Can Homeowners Prevent Water Corrosion From Happening?

One of the best things you can do as a homeowner to prevent your water heater from developing corrosion is to have regular maintenance performed on it. Upgrading to a new anode rod every three years is a must. Changing out heating elements every ten years will help to prevent them from rusting and, ultimately, failing.

Additionally, you'll want to ensure that the outside of your water heater doesn't come into contact with any standing water. You should call in a plumbing professional to help flush your water heater at least once a year. If you live in a region that experiences very high levels of water hardness, you'll need to take extra action. Doing flushes at least twice a year is recommended, and you should highly consider investing in a water softener.

Call Us Today

If you're dealing with water heater corrosion, contact us at Command Service Center. Let our expert plumbing professionals assist you with your household plumbing needs.

Resources: https://www.cloverco.com/what-causes-water-heater-corrosion/