Red Seal Appliance Service Technician Practice Exam

What type of problem might the anode rod address in a water heater?

1. Air blockages

2. Corrosion within the tank

3. Low water pressure

4. Energy inefficiency

The correct answer is: Corrosion within the tank

The anode rod in a water heater serves a crucial role in preventing corrosion within the tank. This rod is typically made of magnesium or aluminum and is designed to attract corrosive elements from the water, protecting the steel inside the tank from rust and degradation. Over time, the anode rod will corrode instead of the tank itself, extending the lifespan of the water heater. Regarding the other issues listed: air blockages are typically addressed by other components and maintenance strategies; low water pressure might be due to factors such as plumbing issues or sediment buildup, rather than corrosion; and energy inefficiency can stem from various elements like poor insulation or a failing thermostat, but not directly from corrosion itself. Therefore, the role of the anode rod is specifically connected to mitigating corrosion within the tank, which confirms that the correct answer is indeed related to this issue.