Number 1 Reason for Premature Tank Failure.

Hot Water Storage Tanks - Sacrificial Magnesium Anode

Q. What is the number 1 reason for premature tank failure?
A. Lack of anode replacement or installation.

Let's begin with the definintaion of an 'Anode' from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Anode - "A galvanic anode is the main component of a galvanic cathodic protection (CP) system used to protect buried or submerged metal structures from corrosion.

They are made from a metal alloy with a more "active" voltage (more negative electrochemical potential) than the metal of the structure. The difference in potential between the two metals means that the galvanic anode corrodes, so that the anode material is consumed in preference to the structure.

The loss (or sacrifice) of the anode material gives rise to the alternative name of sacrificial anode."
~ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

In a Domestic Hot Water Storage Tank application, magnesium anodes sacrifice themselves to protect the unlined areas of your tank, the inlets and outlets.  However, most people are simply not aware that they require replacement.  This has lead to more unexpected tank failures and leaks than any other cause.  Anodes in a DHWST require replacement every 1-3 years depending on the quality of water.

Below are examples of depleted and new anodes for both weld-in and thread-in anodes.

Weld-in Anodes

Sacrificial Magnesium Anode - Weld-in

Thread-in Anodes

Sacrificial Magnesium Anode - Thread-in

As verified by the images, anodes work!

Call Provincial Tank Lining and Inspections to determine the integrity of the anodes in your Domestic Hot Water Storage Tank.

Regards,

Jason. 

Jason Rusnak
Director of Business Development
Provincial Tank Lining and Inspections Inc.
C 519.387.2635
www.ProvTank.com

Provincial Tank Lining and Inspections Inc. Servicing Canada with Offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Owen Sound, Ontario.