Water heaters rust out over time due to electrochemical oxidation and aggressive water chemistry reacting with the interior steel tank walls. While tanks feature a protective glass lining and a sacrificial anode rod designed to attract corrosive elements away from the steel, once the anode rod is completely depleted, the exposed steel walls begin reacting directly with oxygen and minerals in the water, leading to progressive corrosion, pitting, and eventual structural tank failure. Verification: Inspect and replace the sacrificial anode rod every 3 to 5 years to prevent premature tank rusting.
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