Why is an anode needed in a water heater? The purpose of the magnesium anode - Setafi

Every detail in the boiler has its purpose. Otherwise, manufacturers simply would not install it, saving on components. One of these is the magnesium anode.

Why an anode in a water heater:

• protects the tank from corrosion under the influence of moisture;
• prevents the appearance of cracks in the enamel;
• extends the life of other parts;
• copes with scale from the use of "hard water".

This is just the basis of what an anode is needed for in a water heater. Let's take a closer look at the details below.

What is a magnesium anode

The anode is a rod that is made from the same material as the walls of the tank. The length of the device can be different: from 10 cm to a meter.

Basically, the addition is installed near the heating element. What this gives us: it is easier to replace parts at the same time and clean the water heater right away. But there are also devices where the anode is attached to the tank lid itself.

Inside the rod there is a magnesium layer, which gets through:

• spraying on a rod;
• falling asleep inside the tube if the part is made hollow.

The first is the basic option, which does not have flexibility. To replace this, you must immediately remove the boiler from the brackets, otherwise the maintenance procedure will not work near the ceiling.

The second option is the most popular and new. The flexibility of the plastic allows you to change the tube as it is depleted, or simply pour new magnesium inside. It's cheaper and easier than buying a new rod.

Why a magnesium anode in a water heater - the principle of operation

If this part is not installed in your device, then galvanic couples are formed inside the tank, destroying the layers of the boiler. If a metal element is placed inside (a rod, as in our version), then the reaction will take place with it, as with a more active component. The walls will not suffer.

Another problem is excessive scale. Salt layers settle not only on the inner walls, but also on the heater. The magnesium contained in the rod makes it possible to soften the layers of scale by electrolysis and remove it from the body of the device.

Why the anode is in the boiler - we extend the service life

It all depends on how actively you use the water heater, what is the hardness of the water and the design features of the boiler. To prolong the life of our anode, you need to follow just a few tips:

• set water consumption to economical mode;
• we install only original components;
• we additionally install salt and scale filtration systems so that less harmful debris gets into the tank.

Let's say right away that the dissolution of the anode is a common procedure. Why else install an anode in a water heater, if not to combat corrosion. Reducing the size of the part indicates that your heating elements are completely safe.

Why replace the magnesium anode?

The magnesium anode is a consumable, so it needs to be changed at regular intervals. Manufacturers recommend that the procedure be carried out at least once a year. In fact, it all depends on the environment in which the device is used: one anode can last even 3-5 years if you use water sparingly.

But without a part, permanent scale and rust will accumulate, so cleaning is recommended more often. A scheduled annual maintenance procedure will allow you to get rid of excess debris and at the same time check the condition of the magnesium rod in the case.

So, we figured out why a magnesium anode is needed in a water heater. If you have any questions on the topic - we are waiting for your reaction in the comments!