Magnesium anode for the boiler

Everyone knows that a magnesium anode is built into the boiler, but few people know why it is needed. The anode neutralizes water, taking in the salts of poor quality water. Plus, the anode converts the hard plaque into a soft scum. If the boiler was without an anode, the boiler tank would become a corrosion center. After all, nothing lasts forever. The tank, which is made in most cases of stainless steel, under conditions of prolonged use, undergoes changes in the conditions of hard water. In addition, the joints of the tank in conditions of high temperature change their structure and break down. Chemical reactions occur constantly as the boiler is used.

The firm "Gorenje" conducted an experiment, installing modern anodes on the old samples of water heaters. This had a positive effect on the work of the devices. The efficiency increased, and, therefore, the time of heating water significantly decreased even with a full tank.

Atlantic also experimented with models of their brand. By installing an anode on different models, the experts were convinced that the life of the heater is increased by as much as half.

Water heaters firm "Thermex" are characterized by a long service life, because some devices have a coating of glass ceramic. Along with competitors, such a unit is not afraid of bad water.

The first company that applied a magnesium anode, was "Ariston". It has always been distinguished by the production of high-quality household appliances.

Magnesium is a metal that is more active than steel. Putting a magnesium anode in the boiler, the water is saturated with cations of this element. They bind the oxygen generated when water is heated, thus protecting the boiler from corrosion.

But the overabundance of this cleaved element leads to the formation of loose scum due to binding with carbon anions. But it is easy to remove from the boiler. Scale is formed in the form of insoluble sludge and settles on the anode itself.

When the boiler is running, the magnesium anode is consumed. This is due to the fact that the corrosion in the tank is neutralized. If you often use the boiler and the quality of water you use is poor, then prepare for the soon replacement of the anode.

The magnesium anode is a metal pin with a magnesium alloy applied with an approximate thickness of 15mm. A threaded metal stud is applied to the end of the cylindrical rod. The length of the pin is 140-660 mm and the rod is 14-25 mm.

All manufacturers have different design of the anode. This fact dooms consumers to replace only buy an anode that fits the model of the boiler. When the boiler has been in use for 15 months or more, the anode should be removed and checked for wear. After this time the anode is likely to be worn out and should be replaced. The anode is unscrewed from the threaded hole of the heating element flange.

The process of replacing the magnesium anode, as well as the cleaning of the heating element, is shown in the following videos.

There are several criteria that it is time to replace the anode or try to perform cleaning of the appliance:

• When the heater is turned on, the protection is triggered. This is due to a thick layer of scale on the heater element;
• there is no water heating with the boiler running;
• the body of the boiler is striking the electric current.

• Check the operation of the appliance by ear more often. If you hear a hiss when heating, then the heating element lacks contact, and it has become covered with scale.
• After a period of time, it is advisable to look inside the boiler. If you see 50% destruction of the anode, you can already look for a replacement to protect the water heater for sure.
• Do not allow the unit to run without the anode.
• Try to clean the boiler more often than is stated in the product's data sheet. This prolongs its service life.