Anode rod failure from saltwater corrosion
Why it happens here
Canal-front homes on Inlet Road pull humid, salty air into the garage year-round. That air accelerates corrosion on the anode rod, which is the part that protects the tank lining. Once the rod is gone, the tank starts rusting from the inside.
Our approach
We check the anode rod on every service call and replace it when it is more than half consumed. For canal-front homes, we recommend an annual check instead of waiting for the tank to fail.