Water heater showing residue

rentappliance

Hi!
water heater is electric one and over 10 years old. Upon looking closely at where water heater bottom touches pan, there is some residue building up. Can you advise what this could be and what to to? Thanks All

rentappliance

Photo here https://i.postimg.cc/0QLJ3ZrK/57-DB80-A8-C3-E5-4326-970-E-91-F335177026.jpg

Larry Weingarten

Hi @rentappliance , There are two things I'd start with. First, check every threaded fitting on the tank. Start from the top and work down, looking for any signs of leakage. If everything looks good, I'd replace the anode in the tank with a new magnesium rod. That should prevent further rusting, as long as it's checked periodically. Conductive water requires more frequent anode checking. Lastly, if it is holding up after some time, go ahead and replace the relief valve too. They usually don't get touched.

Yours, Larry