Water treatments would go a long way, but changing out the anodes would make
a difference, too. But that depends on whether you have electric or gas.
Gas has black pipe running (a electric path to copper waterpipe), but today
it doesn't have to be. Technically you could change out the gas piping for
a flexible plastic and end the problem once and for all (like using optical
to end ground hums). Personally, I just have my gas water heater hooked up
to the water pipe and change the anode connection every couple of years.
The last water heater lasted 18 years. This one's into it's sixth year and
clean as a whistle.

--


Roger W. Norman
SirMusic Studio

"Mike Rivers" wrote in message
news:znr1100528229k@trad...

In article writes:

If you change the anode rods out, they can last an amazingly long time.
This
information seems to have been forgotten sometime in the past 30 years
or so.

I have a gas water heater. I suspect that the failure mode is that
sediment collects on the bottom, which eventually insulates the water
from the burner. I've tried diligently draining the tank a couple of
times a year and that doesn't seem to help. Maybe I should fill it
with vinegar occasionally like I do with my coffee pots? g



--
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