If you own a gas, electric or solar storage hot water system that is more than 4 years old, its tank may be in danger of rusting out.

Most storage hot water systems have an anode in them which is designed to corrode away, instead of the tank. Most anodes last up to about 4 years. Once the anode is gone, the tank will start rusting, and then it's only a matter of time before it fails and you will need to replace the whole system - it is not feasible just to replace the tank. Replacing the anode can keep your hot water system going much longer.

Reasons for anode replacement

Replacing the anode can more than double the life of your hot water system.
More than 90% of hot water systems fail because anode replacement has been neglected.
You can save over $1000 by replacing the anode, instead of the whole system.

If your hot water system is more than 4 years old, the anode should be checked.

A new anode, fully installed, is typically less than $200, and many of them much less than that.