The Chemistry of Galvanic Corrosion Protection
Inside every traditional steel water heater tank, an electrochemical reaction is constantly occurring. Water acts as an electrolyte. When steel, copper fittings, and brass components are immersed together, natural electrical currents flow, causing the steel to surrender electrons and oxidize into rust. To prevent the steel tank from dissolving, manufacturers install a sacrificial anode rod made of a more chemically active metal—typically magnesium or aluminum.
Because magnesium has a lower galvanic potential than steel, the corrosive currents attack the anode rod first, sacrificing the rod to keep the steel tank intact. Once the anode rod is fully consumed, the tank begins rusting directly. If your tank has already failed, our water heater removal specialists will haul away the damaged unit safely.