All about Anodes & When To Replace Them

What is an anode, and why is it so important? To start with, water heaters have anodes in them to protect them against rust.

What are Anodes in Water Heaters?

All main pressure storage water heaters, other than those made from stainless steel, are constructed from 2 to 3-mm thick mild steel, coated on the inside with vitreous enamel similar to that used to rust-proof barbeques. They are never made from glass or fibreglass. Any misunderstanding here stems from the industry term “glass-lined” which is commonly used to describe this type of tank. This enamel coating is subject to extremes of temperature and pressure, which causes it to deteriorate over time. Therefore, all glass-lined tanks are also fitted with one or more sacrificial anodes to protect the steel tank against corrosion as the glass lining loses its effectiveness. Even in places like Sydney and Melbourne, where the water quality is quite good, (TDS*) readings of less than 100 parts per million) anodes in small water heaters can last for as little as 4 or 5 years before being expended, thus allowing corrosion to commence.

By simply replacing a heater’s anode when required (the period varies depending on the size and model of the heater), the same protection is provided that keeps ships afloat, underground steel pipelines and tanks corrosion-free and even Australia’s and the World’s sea-based oil drilling platforms intact. – That’s why the heater manufacturer put the anode there in the first place.

How can corrosion take place in an enclosed tank full of water?

Corrosion in water heaters is associated with the passage of minute electrical currents that travel through the metal and the water. Corrosion takes place at the anodic areas (the anode), which are the places where the current releases ions to dissolve in the water. Cathodic areas develop at other sites (the tank walls) where the circuit is completed, and at these places, provided there is an effective anode working inside the tank, no corrosion can or will occur. Anodes corrode – cathodes do not. Once the original anode stops working, the steel tank will react with other incompatible metals, such as the copper pipes, brass fittings and the element/s. Once this occurs, the tank wall becomes anodic, corrosion (rust) commences, and the tank will quickly rust through.

How do hot water system anodes work?

Anodes are manufactured from a special grade of magnesium and protect steel by sacrificial electrochemical action. Magnesium is electro-negative relative to steel. When a magnesium rod is fitted to a steel tank filled with fresh water, a current will constantly flow through the water between the rod and any exposed steel area on the tank wall. The circuit is completed through the tank back to the magnesium rod. This protective current is produced by the magnesium-releasing ions, and this results in corrosion in the anodic area. The magnesium (the anode) corrodes instead of the steel tank (the cathode). This principle of electrolytic corrosion control is called cathodic protection. Because cathodic surfaces cannot rust, the steel tank is protected.

This principle is nothing new. No experienced boat owner would risk the propeller, rudder, shafts or other exposed metal equipment on his boat when all it requires to ensure that they do not corrode is to keep an effective sacrificial anode in place on the hull of the craft or on the motor itself in the case of outboards. The same system is used on all commercial shipping and oil drilling platforms, underground pipelines, and storage tanks. It’s far more economical to replace the anode than allow the vessel to corrode. This logic also applies to domestic and commercial water heaters.

Anodes and Hot Water System Types

All gas, electric and solar mains-pressure water heaters with a vitreous enamel or bonded ceramic coating utilize a sacrificial anode to provide additional corrosion protection.

Which heaters do NOT have an anode?

1. Gravity Fed Tanks located in the ceiling.

These are mostly found in older homes, and they are rarely supplied new nowadays due to the fact that the hot water supply relies on gravity alone, and as such, it is not very satisfactory for showering.

2. All types of Continuous (Tankless) Gas Heaters.

These are small, wall-mounted heaters that heat the water as it passes through them. Common brands are RINNAI Infinity, Rheem Integrity, and Dux Endurance, as well as Bosch, Pyrox, Zip, etc.

3. Stainless Steel and Copper Storage Type Heaters.

These heaters look similar to the ones that do require an anode. They are generally the same size and shape, but the tank is either stainless steel or copper and does not require an anode.

Brand names with stainless steel tanks are Aquamax gas heaters and Edwards, as well as some models of Beasley, in both electric and solar types. Copper tanks haven’t been produced for many years, but there is no doubt some are still surviving because they have been known to last for 40 years or more. They don’t ever have anodes in them.

What about older hot water heaters?

The older a heater is, the greater the likelihood of it having little or no remaining active anode and, at the same time, having experienced an appreciable deterioration of the “glass” lining, thus leaving areas of exposed steel wall where corrosion may have already started. While that corrosion cannot be reversed, it can certainly be arrested by the introduction of a new anode, which can get to work by reversing the electrical flow and converting the tank wall back to a cathode (parts of it will have become anodic after the original anode ceased operating).

Replacing Hot Water Heater Anodes

When to Change the Anode

Anodes are manufactured by extruding the magnesium alloy onto a central core of 3mm diameter mild steel. Where an anode is active and working effectively, it will appear sharply pitted, and the “valleys” of this pitting will be grey in colour like the original magnesium. As the anode corrodes, it will wear down to the core and then progressively expose the core, usually from the top down. Ideally, the anode should be replaced before it has worn down to the core in order that there is sufficient surface area of magnesium to provide adequate corrosion protection.

As many as 50% of anodes become inactive or passivated. In these cases, the anode is not sharply pitted as above. Still, it appears smoother and will be partially or fully coated with calcium carbonate, usually brown in colour or sometimes white. These anodes can be quite thick and appear to have sufficient magnesium left, but because it is heavily coated, it provides little or no effective protection to the tank, and such anodes should be replaced.

Our experience tells us that the longer and/or the thicker the anode, the longer its life. Nevertheless, all heater manufacturers are very definite in recommending that anodes be replaced to ensure the maximum effective life of their heaters.

Suggested Replacement Times of Hot Water System Anodes

*These suggested replacement times of the original anode must be used only as a guide.

The life of an anode is dependent upon a number of variables:

1. Water Quality 

Natural waters contain a wide variety of dissolved salts, all of which act as carriers of electric current. The higher the salt content of the water, the lower its electrical resistance and the greater the corrosion potential. Artificially softened waters are exceedingly corrosive because the process merely substitutes a sodium ion for the magnesium and calcium ions, and this takes away all of the scale-forming ability but does nothing to reduce electrical conductivity.

2. Size of Household

Hot water storage tanks are under constant pressure, so when a hot water tap is turned on or off, the tank expands and contracts. Washing machine solenoid valves and ceramic mixer taps turn on and off more sharply than screw-type tap mechanisms, resulting in fast pressure changes inside the tank. These changes in pressure cause the glass lining of the tank to crack, thereby exposing the tank steel to the effects of corrosion.

3. Method of Heating 

Anodes in gas storage heaters usually last longer than those in electric tanks because gas heaters are typically operated at a lower temperature than electric heaters. No copper element in the water means less anode corrosion from electrolysis.

4. Temperature Setting

Hot water is more corrosive than cold water, so the anode is consumed more quickly when the thermostat is set higher than necessary. It obviously consumes more heating energy as well. This point partially explains why anodes tend to wear more quickly at the top than elsewhere.

When is it too late to Replace the Anode?

Most heaters should last around 12 to 15 years. There are always exceptions, and we have seen heaters 20 or more years of age that are still providing good, clean hot water. On the other hand, we have also seen a few heaters that have rusted through as early as five years of age. Obviously, both are extreme examples. Experience has shown us that it takes about three years to eat right through the tank wall once rust gets started. Therefore, the average heater only starts to rust at the 10 to 12-year mark.

For this reason, we believe 12 years should be the limit for replacing anodes in standard-model heaters. Again, exceptions can be made when the heater looks in good condition and when the anode is still working. (That is when grey metal is clearly visible, indicating that an anodic reaction is still taking place.) If water quality is tested and there is no discolouration, we see no reason why the anode should not be replaced. This is particularly applicable to Rheem Optima® models with a heavy-duty anode in electric heaters and twin anodes in gas models and a heavier coating of vitreous enamel. However, take special care with the twin-element electric tanks, as we have seen some of these models fail within the ten-year guarantee period.

Extract from Rheem Owner’s Guide

About your Water Heater

How long will the water heater last? 

There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water heater will provide. These include the water quality, the water pressure and temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage pattern. However, your Rheem water heater is supported by a comprehensive warranty.

Anode Protection

An anode is installed in your water heater and will slowly dissipate whilst protecting the cylinder. The life of the water heater cylinder will be extended by arranging for an authorised person to inspect the anode and replace it if required.

The suggested time after installation when the anode should be inspected is:

For softened water supplies or in areas of bad water quality, it is recommended the anode be inspected 3 years earlier than shown.

Extract from Dux Water Heaters Owner’s Handout

Five Year Service

(By Authorised Personnel Only)

The five-yearly service should be carried out by an Authorised Person. It is recommended that this service be carried out by your local Dux agent or qualified Dux technician. The service should include the following:

• Replace the pressure & temperature relief valve.
• Replace the anode.
• Clean and service the gas burner and pilot on gas models.
• Flush the cylinder.