Corrosion Can Occur in Multiple Places in Water Heaters. Here’s the Problem Spots
Corrosion Can Occur in Multiple Places in Water Heaters. Here’s the Problem Spots
Electric Elements
Galvanic corrosion is most common in electrical water heaters and appear on the electrical elements. The elements are the component that heats the water. Elements have a copper sheath and a steel base and if those specific parts become wet, electrolysis and corrosion may occur. An electrical element may be corroded enough to fail to heat the water. If you replace it and then in less than a year, the element may corrode again, then it is due to a faulty anode. Replacing the anode will prevent further element destruction. One way to prevent corrosion is to install galvanized unions with the plastic nipples on the top of the tank. Now you can thread galvanized pipe to the steel plumbing into the wall. Like galvanized plumbing, plastic plumbing will never have to deal with galvanic corrosion. PB and CPVC can adapt to most metal pipes.
Corrosion Caused By Softened Water
Softening water is the act of exchanging salt for