Hi, I’m Brad from Element Plumbing & Gas. Today I will talk about the importance of your hot water heater anode being replaced. I have your best interests at heart and want to ensure you get longevity out of your hot water storage tank.

What is an anode?

An anode is a sacrificial rod of highly active metal that is put in place to prevent a less active material surface from corroding.

In the case of a storage hot water unit, an anode prevents the hot water storage tank from rusting. Your hot water heater anode plays an important part in sustaining the life of your hot water system.

Given that water is stored for extended periods, if your hot water heater anode is not replaced, the steel storage cylinder tank might even split and start leaking.

How do you know when it is time to change the sacrificial anode inside your hot water heater?

The only way to tell is to examine the anode. If the sacrificial rod looks as if it’s being eaten away, it’s probably time to replace it. If you can see the steel core wire showing through the outer layer of aluminium, it’s definitely time for a replacement hot water heater anode.

You may even notice little pieces of foam in your water filters. By this stage, it’s worth giving Element Plumbing & Gas a call to replace your hot water heater anode.

Below is an example. On the right is a brand new anode ready to be fitted. On the left is an old and completely corroded anode in bad need of replacement:

How to inspect and replace a hot water heater anode

My expert team and I can assist you with all aspects of hot water system maintenance, including anode inspection and also replacement. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of plumbing tasks being handled by a licenced plumber, especially anode replacement, given the dangers associated with 60°C to 70°C hot water.

When should I replace a water heater?

Should your system be 15 to 20 years old, it’s probably due for upgrade. For a new gas hot water system Perth locals can rely on Element Plumbing & Gas.

Contact us for hot water heater anode replacement

Thanks for reading my advice on anode replacement. Please reach out to me should you suspect your hot water heater anode is due for replacement.