To help protect the tank from corrosion, a sacrificial anode rod made from aluminum, magnesium, or zinc is installed in all steel water heaters to attract damaging elements like minerals and salts that exist naturally in the water supply. In this way, they are "sacrificed" to protect the tank from corrosion.

How long an anode rod will last depends on what chemicals are in the water, how much hot water is used, and whether or not a water softener is installed. To extend the life of your water heater, we recommend inspecting the anode rod once a year.