What does a magnesium anode need in a water heater?

The owners of water-heating tanks often come across information about a magnesium anode for a water heater, but only some people have an idea of ​​how this detail looks and what functions it contains. In short, the main task of the magnesium anode is to protect against salt deposits due to water. He opposes such an unpleasant process as corrosion of the inner walls of the tank.

Why is the destruction of the tank

Quite a few people can say that water heaters of a new generation today are constructing stainless steel. This is a reliable fact - the water storage tank is really made of this material. Why stainless steel corrosion protection? Several facts may disprove theoretical statements about resilience.This material is destroyed when it is used in domestic conditions.

1. The first thing you should pay attention to: food stainless steel - This is a material with not the highest resistance. Theoretically, stainless steel is able to withstand hard water with salt impurities, but only for some time. A couple of months, a year and a half, but no more. If really high-quality stainless steel were used for the manufacture of tanks, their price would be too high. The device would acquire a premium status and become affordable for only a few. However, a water heater is an affordable device that is very popular.
2. The next caveat is presence of seams between structural elements water heater. As a rule, the tank is made of two parts fastened together. Under the influence of heating the junction often change their structure, and then stainless steel loses its main functions. So corrosion appears.

Everyone knows that surfaces are coated with special substances that are also designed to protect against corrosion. But to call them reliable and durable is not necessary. In addition, the closed medium of the tank and the temperature of the liquid change periodically.Very hot water expands the metal, then narrowing it down when it cools. Under the influence of such metamorphosis, the protective composition is stretched and loses its integrity.

Water heater device

Deficiencies of developers and the problem of hard water

In general, it will be justified to shift the blame for the weak resistance of the tank corrosion to the manufacturer’s shoulders. After all, he is responsible for the observance of all technical characteristics and must consider every aspect. Moreover, if the developer was unscrupulous and saved on materials - this can lead to microcrack formation. After their occurrence, the process can no longer be reversed.

There is an intense oxidation of the metal caused by the interaction with oxygen that has penetrated into the faults.

Looking at the table of electrochemical potentials you can see what can begin with a similar process. But unscrupulous companies do not spend time on it. As a result of economy or trivial misunderstanding of chemical processes, a variety of materials are used in the production of heaters that cannot withstand the load.Needless to say, such boilers will soon stop working.

But not only manufacturers are responsible for this. Chemical composition of water, which determines its quality, in some regions is very far from ideal. But it is precisely she who constantly interacts with the heating element and the walls of the boiler. It is to compensate for adverse inclusions in water and the magnesium anode is needed in the water heater.

Corrosion tank

The principle of operation of the anode

Imagine for a second that the tank is not equipped with an anode. In a situation like this galvanic couple. This effect was discovered in the eighteenth century, far from us. The hull coating will take over the corrosion protection functions and for this reason will begin to collapse soon. This is due to the fact that the electrochemical potential of the material of the tank walls is much weaker than that of the others used during assembly of the unit.

What is a component like a magnesium anode for a water heater for?Do you need a system? Its electrochemical potential will be even lower than that of the case. From this it follows that the oxidation process will go to him.

Magnesium anode for the boiler include in the design of almost all models.If you look at the new part, it will have a smooth silver surface. After a long work in the reservoir on the pin will become visible signs of corrosion. But the most important point - the walls of the tank will maintain integrity.

Why precisely magnesium

Finding the answer to this question bothers many minds. The secret lies in the electrochemical potential. For a substance like magnesium, it is rather weak. Together with this, material cost allows you to use it in mass production without increasing the price of the final product. It is much more effective to use it as a consumable than to sacrifice the walls of the tank. What exactly does a magnesium anode need in a water heater? He collects the salt. When it comes in contact with magnesium, it settles on the surface of the anode, without harming other parts.

Replacement process

Since the part is consumable, periodic replacement of the anode is necessary. It does not take much time and is quite possible for anyone.

1. Purchase the necessary part in a specialty store or service center.
2. Remove the protective cover from the bottom of the water heater.
3. After dismantling the housing, you will see a thermal sensor and a flange. They also need to be carefully removed.
4. Slightly shake and pull the heater. He may not succumb due to the formation of deposits. Apply a little effort, but try not to damage the equipment.
5. Remove the old anode from a special socket near the heating element.
6. Quite often, instead of a whole anode, you can find there blank pin. Why is this happening? Due to the gradual destruction of the magnesium layer. Pull this pin out and release the socket.
7. At the same time, clean the heater from the scale or install a new one.
8. Insert a new anode and carefully assemble the boiler in its original state.

As can be seen, replacing the spent magnesium anode in a water heater is not as complicated as it may seem. Do not forget to periodically clean internal surface of the tankand also regularly change the anode. This will help to maintain the effective performance of the device and increase its service life.