Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Cranbourne West
    Age
    72
    Posts
    3,612

    Default Sacrificial Anode

    I was wondering if double filtering the water before the hot water tank helps improve the life of the sacrificial anode. I know they aren't expensive when compared to the cost of replacing a hot water system, but the last anode I fitted only lasted for a 5 week trip to the Birdsville Races. I know the water in outback Queensland is pretty harsh, but I didn't expect the anode wear this quickly. Funny how most of the wear is at the threaded end, is this normal?

    Caravan Mods_0647.jpg
    To grow old is inevitable.... To grow up is optional

    Confidence, the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation.

    What could possibly go wrong.

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Age
    2010
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Mornington Peninsula
    Posts
    2,741

    Default

    If the threaded end is where the hottest water is (ie at the top of the tank), then yes.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Cranbourne West
    Age
    72
    Posts
    3,612

    Default

    Forgot to say that this is a caravan HWS.
    The anode is sitting horizontal at the bottom of the tank.
    To grow old is inevitable.... To grow up is optional

    Confidence, the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation.

    What could possibly go wrong.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Alexandra Vic
    Age
    69
    Posts
    2,810

    Default

    The threaded end is generally the closest to a different metal (tank), and hence most likely to erode. Depending on tank materials and structure, there could be quite a few metals involved at that point, anode cap (brass), tank wall (MS or copper), tank bush for anode (MS, copper or brass) and the brazing/welding alloy (possibly 5-8 metal elements).

    The original glass lined MS tank in our former home had a vertical anode about 1m long, it always ate out from the cap down. It was replaced with a SS tanked unit without an anode that was still going well after 21 years when we sold last year. Seems that they picked a SS grade that was extremely inert and the anode would have introduced additional metals and degraded the overall lifespan rather than enhance it. An identical unit installed at my uncles place 26 years ago has been totally fault free except for a burnt out thermocouple in the pilot system.
    I used to be an engineer, I'm not an engineer any more, but on the really good days I can remember when I was.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Cranbourne West
    Age
    72
    Posts
    3,612

    Default

    Thanks for that detailed explanation Mal. So apart from nicer tasting water and reduced calcium buildup in the shower head the filters will have little, or no effect on the wear rate of the anode?
    To grow old is inevitable.... To grow up is optional

    Confidence, the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation.

    What could possibly go wrong.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Willunga, Australia
    Posts
    735

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Grumpy John View Post
    ... the filters will have little, or no effect on the wear rate of the anode?
    Correct. The anode is there to cater for the dissolved minerals. Suspended particulate is all that filters per se will eliminate. You need a "water softener" or a reverse osmosis system to eliminate (or convert) dissolved salts which is what causes your corrosion.

    John

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Cranbourne West
    Age
    72
    Posts
    3,612

    Default

    One thing I've learnt from this is that you don't use the hot water for cooking or making a cuppa unless you have a filter fitted AFTER the HWS.
    To grow old is inevitable.... To grow up is optional

    Confidence, the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation.

    What could possibly go wrong.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Nerang Queensland
    Age
    66
    Posts
    10,766

    Default

    What sort of hot water service is it John?
    Neil
    ____________________________________________
    Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Cranbourne West
    Age
    72
    Posts
    3,612

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by dai sensei View Post
    What sort of hot water service is it John?
    A Suburban, check out the link in post 3.
    To grow old is inevitable.... To grow up is optional

    Confidence, the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation.

    What could possibly go wrong.

Similar Threads

  1. What to use as sacrificial layer.
    By pkowal in forum CNC Machines
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 28th October 2011, 05:18 PM
  2. Sacrificial victims
    By 44Ronin in forum WOODTURNING - GENERAL
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 30th April 2009, 03:59 PM
  3. Bench sacrificial top - glue or pin?
    By AndyDent in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 26th May 2008, 05:50 PM
  4. Source for Electrolysis Anode
    By spartan in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 11th July 2007, 09:19 AM
  5. Sacrificial Anode
    By craigb in forum NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH WOODWORK
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 31st January 2006, 10:03 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •