There is a thing called an anode that is fitted in water heating tanks and can reduce the rusting that occurs in these tanks. Normally the rust will remain unnoticed until the tank develops a leak, by then however the damage is done and its too late. So a rod called an anode is sometimes fitted. It also has the name of ‘Sacrificial Anode’ a sit will be sacrificed in order to protect the tank from the chemical reaction and resulting low voltage that is created when water and metal meet. The anode achieves its aim by rotting away instead of the tank metal (in other words it takes its place), so as long as the anode is in good condition the tank damage is greatly reduced. Sadly you cannot tell it is not possible to see the condition of the anode by just looking at your water heater. That will require the power to be isolated and actually removing it for a visual inspection. Kensington Plumbers are experienced with this piece of kit. This can be done every couple of years as the rusting is quite slow. The anode can be replaced with a new one reasonably easy. These anodes come in different shapes and sizes, so it helps to have the information to hand for your system when you need to buy a new one. This detail should be on the water-heater housing.

Replace the anode:

1). Firstly kill the power supply to the heater and also isolate the cold water inlet valve on the top of the heater.

2). Next unscrew the hexagonal bolt that holds the anode in its place.

3). Now remove what remains of the eaten anode.

4). Install the new anode. A Kensington Plumber can replace this. Fit the new piece in the reverse order that old one was removed. Use teflon tape on the threaded fitting to prevent a leak.

5). De-isolate and switch back on.

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