Doug Lassiter
Well-Known Member
I'd like to understand the importance of an anode rod for hot water heaters in areas with alkaline, mineral rich water. No question that the anode rod mitigates corrosion, but it doesn't mitigate scale formation. Many water heaters die because of scale deposits, and not because of corrosion. So the question is, in areas with mineral rich water, does the anode rod really increase the lifetime of the water heater, and it it really worth replacing every five years?
No argument that in an area with mineral free or softened water, anode rod replacement is an excellent water heater preservation strategy. But if mineral scale is going to kill the water heater first, why worry about corrosion?
Ideally, I'd like a response from a plumber who has done autopsies on dead water heaters in alkaline areas.
No argument that in an area with mineral free or softened water, anode rod replacement is an excellent water heater preservation strategy. But if mineral scale is going to kill the water heater first, why worry about corrosion?
Ideally, I'd like a response from a plumber who has done autopsies on dead water heaters in alkaline areas.
