What maintenance practice helps prevent corrosion in water systems?

Installing anodes or dielectric fittings is a key maintenance practice that effectively helps prevent corrosion in water systems. Anodes are made from a more reactive metal that sacrifices itself to protect the primary metal of the water system infrastructure, such as pipes and tanks. This process, known as cathodic protection, prevents the corrosion of the inner components by redirecting the electrochemical processes that would typically lead to degradation. Dielectric fittings serve to isolate different metals within the system, which further minimizes the risk of galvanic corrosion, ensuring that dissimilar metals do not create an electrochemical reaction that can lead to damage.

While regularly changing the water source may seem beneficial, it does not directly address the underlying issues of corrosion. Increasing water temperature can accelerate corrosion rates rather than reduce them, particularly in certain metals. Using cheaper piping materials can lead to increased susceptibility to corrosion due to lower quality or inadequate material properties, which ultimately makes the system more vulnerable rather than less.