How to extend the life of your hot water system

Did you know that an “Anode” is inbuilt into a hot water tank and designed to sacrifice itself to prolong the life of your hot water system?

It’s really easy for us to forget just how important having hot water is. We all use hot water daily for example when we cook, clean, do the dishes, have a shower and even when you put a load of washing on. We all use hot water frequently and just like a car our hot water systems require maintenance as well.

So what is an Anode?

Well an Anode is a magnesium rod that is inbuilt into your gas or electric storage tank usually found at the top of the tank hidden under a plastic cap. This magnesium rod is designed to sacrifice itself to the hard water we have in South Australia, in result prolonging the life of your gas or electric storage tank.

The sacrificial anode as recommended by the manufacturer should be replaced at intervals no longer then 5 years. Majority of water heaters with a big tank will have anodes but a few do not for example gravity fed hot water units that are found in ceiling spaces and continuous flow (tankless) hot water systems. If you haven’t yet had a chance to replace your anode in your hot water system call your local plumber and extend the life of your hot water heater.