Keep Your Water Heater Running Smoothly: Maintenance Tips

How to Keep Your Water Heater Running Smoothly: Maintenance Tips
hot water heater maintenance

hot water heater maintenance - hot water heater maintenance

Introduction

Is your hot water heater acting up, or are you simply looking to extend its lifespan? You're not alone. Many homeowners overlook the importance of regular maintenance for their hot water heaters, only to face unexpected breakdowns or inefficient performance down the line. But fear not, maintaining your water heater doesn't have to be a daunting task. We'll guide you through essential maintenance tips to keep your water heater running smoothly, ensuring you always have access to hot water when you need it.

• Flush the unit every six months
• Inspect and replace the anode rod as needed
• Check for rust or leaks regularly
• Test the thermostat and valves for proper operation

Infographic showing steps for basic hot water heater maintenance - hot water heater maintenance infographic step-infographic-4-steps

Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Hot Water Heater

Maintaining your hot water heater is crucial for ensuring its longevity and efficiency. By following a few simple steps, you can prevent common issues and enjoy uninterrupted access to hot water. Let's dive into the essential maintenance tips that every homeowner should know.

Regular Flushing

The most critical step in hot water heater maintenance is flushing the tank. Over time, sediment and minerals from the water can build up at the bottom of the tank, leading to inefficiency and potential damage. Flushing your water heater every six months or so can help prevent this buildup and maintain the unit's efficiency. If you have hard water, you might need to flush the system more frequently.

Anode Rod Inspection

The anode rod is a crucial component of your hot water heater, designed to prevent rust by sacrificing itself to corrosion. Inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the anode rod every few years can significantly extend the life of your water heater. A corroded or fully consumed anode rod means it's no longer protecting your tank from rust, making it a critical maintenance task.

Leak and Rust Inspection

Regularly inspecting your hot water heater for signs of rust or leaks is essential. Catching these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line, such as water damage or a complete unit failure. Pay special attention to the tank's base and the connections for any signs of moisture or corrosion.

Thermostat and Valve Testing

Ensuring that the thermostat and valves on your hot water heater are functioning correctly is key to maintaining its efficiency and safety. Test the pressure relief valve to ensure it opens and closes properly, preventing potential overpressure situations. Additionally, checking the thermostat can help maintain the desired water temperature, ensuring your unit isn't working harder than it needs to.

At Richards Rooter and Plumbing, we understand the importance of maintaining your hot water heater for optimal performance. Our experienced technicians are ready to assist with all your maintenance needs, ensuring your system runs smoothly year-round. For more information on our services, visit Richards Rooter and Plumbing.

By adhering to these maintenance tips, you can significantly extend the life of your hot water heater, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and enjoy efficient performance. A little maintenance goes a long way in ensuring the comfort and convenience of your home.

Plumbing Services in Los Angeles

Richards Rooter And Plumbing is Providing plumbers in Los Angeles since 1994. Call (818) 266-7584 for 24hr service in Los Angeles.​

At Richards Rooter and Plumbing we provide Free Sewer Video Inspection with sewer pipe repair or Clean-Out Installation. Sewer Video Inspection is the best way to find a sewer problem or even locating the sewer. Call us about our free sewer video inspection special. Sewer Video Inspection Service with the sewer and drain video camera system is a video camera made for entering sewer and drain lines. This enables us to go deep inside the pipe and visually inspect the entire length from house to street. If we locate a problem early enough it can save you from having to dig up the yard and replace your entire system. Video cameras have become one of the most valuable tools in the plumbing business. Specially made fiber optic video cameras allow for a visual inspection of underground sewer lines and other piping to determine the condition of the inside of the pipe. A flexible rod with a high resolution video camera on its tip is inserted into the pipe for inspection. Video images are transmitted to the camera operator and can be saved onto a videotape for a permanent record. Radio transmitters on the camera record the depth and physical location from the surface so that defects and obstructions can be corrected cost effectively. Video cameras have also been used to locate lost jewelry and other valuables, as well as animals that have become lost or trapped in pipes.

Plumbers in Los Angeles

Call Us for Plumbers Los Angeles 1-818-266-7584 for fast 24 Hour Emergency Plumbing, Sewer and Drain Cleaning Services.

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Toilet Repair

Toilet Repair Los Angeles

Clogged Toilet Repair Specialists In Los Angeles

Many consumers are sure they can install a toilet themselves, but the simple fact is that installing toilets can be a time-consuming and difficult process, especially when replacing a significantly old or outdated toilet that may require a good amount of plumbing work before a replacement can be professionally and satisfactorily installed.

Call (818) 266-7584 Now For Fast, Reliable Service!

Toilets are by far the most-used part of any bathroom, but they’re often the most overlooked — until they begin to clog, or they stop flushing properly, or they develop cracks. The simple fact is that most consumers completely forget about their toilet until it causes them problems — or pain, leaks, and all kinds of messes. This is where a good plumbing company comes in quite handy: they’re well acquainted with everything that can possibly go wrong in a bathroom, and the know the best fixes. Choosing a new toilet is an opportunity to really upgrade a bathroom: consider that, until 1980, many toilets used more than twice as much water as they currently do when flushing. Given escalating utility costs and the drive to “go green” in every aspect of the home, it’s easy to see why a plumbing contractor and a new toilet might solve more than one of your home’s problems.

The toilet installation service provided by a Richards Rooter And Plumbing contractor involves some complicated steps in order to ensure that the new model is properly installed, using water efficiently, and is comfortable for all members of the household. The first order of business will simply be to remove your existing toilet, which is typically done in under an hour by most contractors. In fact, this might be the easiest step they’ll perform.

Richards Rooter and Plumbing Contractor Los Angeles

 Richards Rooter And Plumbing

Plumbing Contractor Los Angeles

For almost three decades, Richard Yazmajian has been solving commercial and residential plumbing problems across the Los Angeles area. Based in Chatsworth, he regularly serves customers in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.

Mr. Yazmajian, owner of Richards Rooter And Plumbing, has been a one-man shop for much of his career, which spans to 1994. Although he can handle virtually any job, he tends to work on residential applications the mostly.

Unlike many plumbers who prefer to stick with convention and install tank-type water heaters, Mr. Yazmajian has embraced tankless water heating technology since the early 1990s. Part of this results from a receptive attitude among California’s customers for the technology, but most of it is due to Mr. Yazmajian’s appreciation for the technology’s simplicity and energy-saving benefits.

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Water Heater Repair

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Water Heater Repair

“Tankless water heaters offer my customers an endless supply of hot water only when they need it, thereby saving energy” says Mr. Yazmajian, who also praises the benefits of there being no tank. “Without a tank, you don’t have that extra, space-eating weight, not to mention the potential for a catastrophic tank leak. Out here in California, this is even more advantageous, due to our earthquakes. If an earthquake topples a conventional tank water heater, it will cause significantly more damage than if a little no-tank unit falls.”

 

To that point, Mr. Yazmajian also likes that tankless water heaters are not only compact, but also wall-mounted, allowing them to be installed virtually anywhere.

Although he praises the technology in general, there is one brand Mr. Yazmajian trusts the most. “I started exclusively using Noritz water heaters about eight years ago when I visited the company’s Fountain Valley headquarters for training,” recalls Mr. Yazmajian. “Noritz’s high-quality manufacturing, ease-of-installation and reliability have always appealed to me as an installer.”

 

Mr. Yazmajian has installed various Noritz units. One of his favorites for smaller, two-to-three bathroom applications, is the EZTR40. “By using the existing gas line and venting, not to mention its top-mounted connections, the EZTR40 saves me installation time, which means cost-savings for my customers,” he explains.

 

Energy Savings in Los Angeles California
Recently, Mr. Yazmajian installed an NRC98 condensing water heater at a residence in Northridge to serve three bathrooms. His customers’ original tank-type water heater had sprung a leak, and he had recommended they go tankless. Although he had some difficulty removing the concrete platform supporting the original water heater,

Mr. Yazmajian reports the actual installation was simple and straightforward, lasting no more than five hours. He also included a buffer tank to ensure his customers would not feel the infamous “cold water sandwich” (when users feel a spurt of cold water in the midst of a hot-water flow).

 

By choosing the no-tank option, Mr.Yazmajian believes his customers will possibly save upwards of $1,000 per year on energy.
“Unlike a conventional water heater, which must constantly turn on to keep the stored water hot, the Noritz unit heats water only when my customers need it, saving them money,” he explains.

 

“The state of California also offers various energy rebates that they can take advantage of to offset upfront costs.” Experiences like the above reinforce Mr. Yazmajian’s dedication to Noritz. “There’s no brand I trust more, and it continues to be my exclusive option for tankless,” he concludes.

About Richards Rooter And Plumbing

Sewer Cleaning Los Angeles

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Gas Leak Detection Los Angeles

Sewer Video Inspection Los Angeles

Sewer Video Inspection Los Angeles

24 Hour Emergency Plumbing Services Los Angeles

24 Hour Emergency Plumbing Services Los Angeles
Drain Cleaning Los Angeles

Reliable Plumbing Solutions You Can Trust - Plumbing Services

Local plumbers ready to handle any plumbing need - big or small

Rapid Response, 24/7 Emergency Service 

Our licensed plumbers provide fast response for plumbing emergencies like burst pipes, flooding, and clogged drains. We're available around the clock to get your plumbing issue under control.

Professional Plumbing Installation and Repair 

From leak detection and water heater repair to drain cleaning and bathroom remodeling, our team offers comprehensive plumbing solutions for commercial and residential properties.

 

Expertise You Can Count On 

Since 1994, we have built a strong reputation for high-quality work, fair pricing, and exceptional customer service. You can trust Richards Rooter and Plumbing to handle any plumbing job - large or small.

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- The headline and subtitle are concise and focus on the key benefits: reliability, local service, and handling any plumbing need. 

- The feature section highlights the most important services and strengths of the company: emergency response, full-service plumbing solutions, and expertise/reputation.

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Plumbing Services in Los Angeles

Plumbing Services Los Angeles

At Richards Rooter and Plumbing a licensed plumbing contractor Company in Los Angeles. We offer 24 hour Plumbing Emergency Services for Water Pipe Repair, Water Heater Repair, Water Heater Installation, Tankless Water Heater Installation, Tankless Water Heater Repair, Gas Pipe Leak Detection, Gas Pipe Tracing, Drain Cleaning, Sewer Cleaning, Water Leak detection, Gas Leak Repair, Drainage Leaks, Sewer Locating, Pipe Line Tracing, Slab Leak Detection, Toilet Repair, Faucet Repair and Gas Pipe repair. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is a licensed plumbing contractor in Los Angeles California for residential and commercial. We work with your schedule, your home or business, and your needs. The person we want to see happy with our work is you.​

Richards Rooter And Plumbing is servicing Los Angeles for over 29 years. With over 30 years of experience under our belt we know what dedication, skills, and customer service means for our customers . That's why we are offering 24 hour emergency plumbers in Los Angeles readily available to help you in time of need. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is Providing plumbers in Los Angeles since 1994. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is a licensed plumbing contractor in Los Angeles California for residential and commercial properties. When you need a plumber now, our emergency plumbers in Los Angeles are experts at repairing or replacing all types of plumbing fixtures. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is just one phone call away.

We are servicing Los Angeles, Chatsworth, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Burbank, Reseda, Montrose, Glendale, La Canada, Flintridge,  Hollywood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Canoga Park, Century City, Eagle Rock, Encino, Flintridge, Granada Hills, Marina Del Rey, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Panorama City, Pasadena, Rancho Park, San Fernando, San Marino, Sherman Oaks, South Pasadena, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Tujunga, Universal City, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Venice, Verdugo City, Westwood, Winnetka and Woodland Hills, California.

At Richards Rooter and Plumbing we offer fast and affordable Plumbing repairs, Sewer Cleaning, Drain Cleaning, Water Heater Repair Woodland Hills, Tankless Water Heater repair, Sewer Video Inspection and Locating, Sewer and Drain Locating and repair Services since 1994. If your drains are clogged and you need help fast, all you need to do is call us for help. Most drains have a clean-out which is an access point for snaking and clearing the sewer or drain line. Clogged drains, sewers and plumbing problems can bring your home to a halt. That’s why we offer 24hr plumbers on call for Gas leaks, Plumbing repairs, Sewer Cleaning, Drain Cleaning, Water Heater repair, Tankless Water Heater repair, Sewer Video Inspection and Sewer Locating, Sewer and Drain Locating and repair. We offer Sewer and Drain Cleaning Woodland Hills 24 hours a day. Yes we can clear that Saturday or Sunday backup or stoppage so you don't have to miss out on relaxing during the weekend.

Quality Leak Detection Services

Too often, plumbing companies convince home and business owners to re-pipe their property which is an expensive project and that could be avoided. Our dedicated plumbing leak technicians find the cause of the leak. This way customers do not have to pay for unnecessary re-pipe services.

When you choose Richards Rooter And Plumbing Leak Detection Service, you can rest assured we have your best interests at heart. We are always honest and provide accurate pricing so you know exactly what you can expect from us.

Residential Leak Detection

IS YOUR HOME PROTECTED FROM WATER DAMAGE?

Do you notice your water bill growing larger? Do you hear water running when you’re sure all the taps are off? You may have hidden leaks around your home that can cause serious damage and pose health hazards. If left untreated, leaks can cause foundational damage, promote mildew growth, and more. At Richards Rooter And Plumbing Leak Detection Service we provide non-invasive, exact leak detection services to help protect your home and property from structural damage.

WHAT MAKES US THE RIGHT FIT?

As a locally owned and operated company, Richards Rooter And Plumbing Leak Detection Services is committed to our customers.

You can expect the following from our residential leak specialists:

We take the time to understand your concerns and address your questions.

We use innovative technology and time-tested detection methods to find the root of the leak.

Our technicians explain the problem so you can make informed decisions about your home.

We offer comprehensive residential leak detection services to address a range of concerns.

Our team is here to ensure your property and investment remain protected against the potential damages that leaks can cause. When a leak has already caused some issues, we do everything in our power to quickly and efficiently detect the problem so you can protect your home from further damage.

READY TO EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE? 

When it comes to your home, never settle. At Richards Rooter And Plumbing Leak Detection Service we consider ourselves your partners. We provide fast and reliable leak detection services. When you call our experts you can rest assured you will receive upfront pricing, cost effective practices and peace of mind.

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Trenchless Pipe Replacement

Slab Leak Detection

Leak Detection

Sewer Camera Inspection

Sewer Odor Detection

Richards Rooter And Plumbing is Providing plumbers in Los Angeles since 1994. Call (818) 266-7584 for 24hr service in Los Angeles.​

Richards Rooter and Plumbing is providing Gas Pipe Leak Detection, Water Heater Repair, Drain Cleaning and Sewer Cleaning in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Chatsworth, Gas Leak Repair in West Hollywood, Burbank, Reseda, Montrose, Glendale, La Canada, Flintridge,  Hollywood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Canoga Park, Century City, Eagle Rock, Encino, Flintridge, Granada Hills, Marina Del Rey, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Panorama City, Pasadena, Rancho Park, San Fernando, San Marino, Sherman Oaks, South Pasadena, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Tujunga, Universal City, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Venice, Verdugo City, Westwood, Winnetka and Woodland Hills, California.

Richards Rooter and Plumbing is providing Gas Pipe Leak Detection, Water Heater Repair, Drain Cleaning and Sewer Cleaning in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Chatsworth, West Hollywood, Burbank, Reseda, Montrose, Glendale, La Canada, Flintridge,  Hollywood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Canoga Park, Century City, Eagle Rock, Encino, Flintridge, Granada Hills, Marina Del Rey, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Panorama City, Pasadena, Rancho Park, San Fernando, San Marino, Sherman Oaks, South Pasadena, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Tujunga, Universal City, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Venice, Verdugo City, Westwood, Winnetka and Woodland Hills, California.

Plumbers in Los Angeles - Plumber Woodland Hills, CA

Plumber Los Angeles

​​Welcome to Richards Rooter and Plumbing. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is a licensed plumbing contractor in Los Angeles California for commercial and residential plumbing services since 1994. We work with your schedule, your home or business, and your needs. The person we want to see happy with our work is you. ​Richards Rooter and Plumbing is more than just a plumbing company. We offer services that go beyond simply fixing leaks and clogs, such as drain cleaning and water heater maintenance. From small repairs to major renovations, we are here to help keep your home safe and running smoothly.

Plumber Woodland Hills, CA

​​Welcome to Richards Rooter and Plumbing. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is a licensed plumbing contractor in Los Angeles California for commercial and residential plumbing services since 1994. We work with your schedule, your home or business, and your needs. The person we want to see happy with our work is you. ​Richards Rooter and Plumbing is more than just a plumbing company. We offer services that go beyond simply fixing leaks and clogs, such as drain cleaning and water heater maintenance. From small repairs to major renovations, we are here to help keep your home safe and running smoothly.

Richards Rooter And Plumbing
22121 Clarendon St #417,
​Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 266-7584
email: info@richardsrooterandplumbing.com

Sewer Drain Cleaning - Plumbers Los Angeles

Plumbers Los Angeles

​​Welcome to Richards Rooter and Plumbing. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is a licensed plumbing contractor in Los Angeles California for commercial and residential plumbing services since 1994. We work with your schedule, your home or business, and your needs. The person we want to see happy with our work is you. ​Richards Rooter and Plumbing is more than just a plumbing company. We offer services that go beyond simply fixing leaks and clogs, such as drain cleaning and water heater maintenance. From small repairs to major renovations, we are here to help keep your home safe and running smoothly.

Plumbers Woodland Hills, CA

​​Welcome to Richards Rooter and Plumbing. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is a licensed plumbing contractor in Los Angeles California for commercial and residential plumbing services since 1994.

La Canada, Flintridge, Chatsworth, Hollywood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Canoga Park, Century City, Eagle Rock, Encino, Flintridge, Granada Hills, Marina Del Rey, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Panorama City, Pasadena, Rancho Park, San Fernando, San Marino, Sherman Oaks, South Pasadena, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Tujunga, Universal City, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Venice, Verdugo City, West Hollywood, Westwood, Winnetka and Woodland Hills, California.

Richards Rooter And Plumbing
22121 Clarendon St #417,
​Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 266-7584
email: info@richardsrooterandplumbing.com

Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Services - Water Heater Repair

Plumbing Services & Drain Cleaning Services

Richards Rooter and Plumbing is providing Gas Pipe Leak Detection, Water Heater Repair, Drain Cleaning and Sewer Cleaning in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Chatsworth, Gas Leak Repair in West Hollywood, Burbank, Reseda, Montrose, Glendale, La Canada, Flintridge,  Hollywood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Canoga Park, Century City, Eagle Rock, Encino, Flintridge, Granada Hills, Marina Del Rey, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Panorama City, Pasadena, Rancho Park, San Fernando, San Marino, Sherman Oaks, South Pasadena, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Tujunga, Universal City, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Venice, Verdugo City, Westwood, Winnetka and Woodland Hills, California.

Emergency Plumbing Los Angeles

24HR Plumbers Los Angeles, Emergency Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services 24 Hours a Day since 1994.

Richards Rooter and Plumbing is providing Gas Pipe Leak Detection, Water Heater Repair, Drain Cleaning and Sewer Cleaning in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Chatsworth, West Hollywood, Burbank, Reseda, Montrose, Glendale, La Canada, Flintridge,  Hollywood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Canoga Park, Century City, Eagle Rock, Encino, Flintridge, Granada Hills, Marina Del Rey, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Panorama City, Pasadena, Rancho Park, San Fernando, San Marino, Sherman Oaks, South Pasadena, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Tujunga, Universal City, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Venice, Verdugo City, Westwood, Winnetka and Woodland Hills, California.

Richards Rooter and Plumbing

24HR Plumbers Los Angeles - Emergency Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services 24 Hours a Day 

Richards Rooter And Plumbing
22121 Clarendon St #417,
​Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 266-7584

Tankless Water Heater Repair Los Angeles

Water Heater Repair Los Angeles

Welcome to Richards Rooter and Plumbing. Water Heater Repair Woodland Hills is what we do. Drain Cleaning Services in Los Angeles 24 hours 7 days a week 365 days a year we will take care of all your Plumbing Services in Los Angeles.

Tankless water heaters are extremely durable, lasting longer than traditional tank-type water heaters, and requiring little maintenance over its lifetime.  They are also extremely well designed.  If for some reason it needs to be serviced, any single part of the heater can be replaced and fixed. We want you to feel comfortable with our Tankless water heaters so we back them with our own warrantee.

​​Welcome to Richards Rooter and Plumbing. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is a licensed plumbing contractor in Los Angeles California for commercial and residential plumbing services since 1994. We work with your schedule, your home or business, and your needs. The person we want to see happy with our work is you. ​Richards Rooter and Plumbing is more than just a plumbing company. We offer services that go beyond simply fixing leaks and clogs, such as drain cleaning and water heater maintenance. From small repairs to major renovations, we are here to help keep your home safe and running smoothly.

Richards Rooter And Plumbing
22121 Clarendon St #417,
​Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 266-7584
email: info@richardsrooterandplumbing.com

Richards Rooter and Plumbing - Plumbers Los Angeles

Richards Rooter and Plumbing

Plumbers Los Angeles

​Welcome to Richards Rooter and Plumbing. Richards Rooter And Plumbing is a licensed plumbing contractor in Los Angeles California for commercial and residential plumbing services since 1994. We work with your schedule, your home or business, and your needs. The person we want to see happy with our work is you. ​Richards Rooter and Plumbing is more than just a plumbing company. We offer services that go beyond simply fixing leaks and clogs, such as drain cleaning and water heater maintenance. From small repairs to major renovations, we are here to help keep your home safe and running smoothly.

Richards Rooter And Plumbing
22121 Clarendon St #417,
​Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 266-7584
email: info@richardsrooterandplumbing.com

Plumbing Services Los Angeles - Copper plumbing pipe

Richards Rooter and Plumbing since 1994 providing Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year.

In regards to your plumbing pipes made of copper, never let copper pipes touch any other kind of steel, Aluminum, Cast-Iron of any Ferrous metals. Or you will find the leak one day.
When two different metals are in contact in a corrosive environment, one of the metals experiences accelerated galvanic corrosion while the other metal remains galvanically protected.

Replace your water heaters Anode Rod  every 3 years and this will help prevent your water heater and your copper pipes from deteriorating from the inside out.
The water heater anode rod is usually made out of magnesium or aluminum.

Metals near each other in the galvanic series have little effect on each other. Generally, as the separation between metals in the series increases, the corroding effect on the metal higher in the series increases as well.

Relative surface areas of contacting dissimilar metals is also relevant in determining which metal exhibits accelerated corrosion. It is undesirable to have a large cathode surface in contact with a relatively small anode surface.

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals are in contact in a corrosive environment: one of the metals experiences an accelerated corrosion rate. The contacting metals form a bimetallic couple because of their different affinities (or attraction) for electrons. These different affinities create an electrical potential between the two metals, allowing current to flow.

The metal higher in the galvanic series of metals, the “anode,” provides protection for the metal lower in the series, the “cathode.”

As can be seen from the galvanic series, zinc protects the lower-order steel.

With respect to contacting surface areas of the two metals, although the corrosion current that flows between the cathode and anode is independent of area, the rate of penetration at the anode does depends on current density. Thus, a large anode area in contact with a relatively small cathode area is generally not problematic. Regardless, environmental conditions remain large determinants of corrosion rates.

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