What is the magnesium anode for a water heater?

Domestic water heaters are our salvation and comfort source: at any time of the year, regardless of the heating season, we can enjoy hot water. But, like any device, these devices need preventative care and repair. And since they are exploited quite actively, it is often necessary to repair and clean them: once a year. Sometimes after another inspection you are told that you need to change the anode. What is it and why change it? Let's understand.

When the water is heated, the process of oxidation and destruction of the internal surface of the tank occurs. Most water heaters are manufactured with iron tanks, sometimes they are covered with enamel, sometimes made of stainless steel. But in any case, water finds a way to the metal: through microcracks in the enamel or through the seam in the stainless steel (under the influence of high temperature during welding, most of the properties are lost). Oxidation occurs, deposits of salts accumulate, the metal rusts. This can lead to the destruction of the integrity of the tank.

In order to make the process less active, manufacturers use a magnesium anode. For a water heater, it becomes a kind of antivirus. Magnesium, which is contained in this device, reacts more actively with oxygen contained in water than iron. Most of the salts dissolved in water settle on the anode, the salts being formed more friable and easier to clean. So, the magnesium anode for a water heater is a way to protect the tank from scaling and destruction. If you have a water heater installed without this device, you can install it yourself.

Magnesium anode for water heater: types

Most often these devices are made in the form of a metal rod, on one side of which there is a special threaded stud. The surface of the probe is 10-15 mm magnesium alloy. Usually it is installed next to the ten, but sometimes manufacturers put it elsewhere.

The magnesium anode for a water heater can be of different diameters and lengths, but it is desirable to replace a worn out one with similar ones. For example, there is a special magnesium anode "Termex", which is installed in water heaters of this brand. In some cases, you can try to install a pin of greater length or thickness, but only in cases where there is room for it. But here there are exceptions: the firm "Ariston" magnesium anode install recommends only its own production and only the size that came in the kit.

Recently, some new models have appeared that can be installed in any tanks. For example, in low spaces in a large-sized container, it is problematic to install a meter anode (tank height - 1.2-1.7 meters, plus a pin more than a meter long). In this case it is convenient to install multi-sectional models. Such anodes consist of several elements of small length, movably attached to each other. Sufficiently convenient, although it requires certain editing skills.

Recently, a flexible plastic anode appeared on the market. It consists of a hollow plastic tube with microscopic pores into which magnesium granules are embedded. Its first advantage: the absence of oxidized magnesium, which usually settles in the tank. Its second plus - the ability to add powder during operation (it is sold separately).