Where should anodes be placed to prevent corrosion?

Anodes are typically installed near metal fittings to effectively mitigate corrosion caused by electrochemical reactions in water systems. When positioned near these fittings, anodes can provide cathodic protection, which helps to prevent the metal surfaces from corroding by sacrificing themselves. This means that the anode will corrode instead of the more critical metal components of the water system, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the system's infrastructure.

The choice to place anodes near metal fittings aligns with industry standards and best practices for corrosion prevention in various types of water tanks and pipelines. Through this strategic placement, it ensures that the areas most susceptible to corrosion benefit from the protective effects of the anode material, which commonly includes zinc or magnesium.

Other placements, such as on the surface of the tank, at the top of the valve, or away from all metal parts, would not provide effective protection, as they either would not be in contact with the most vulnerable areas, or they would fail to create the necessary electrochemical environment needed for cathodic protection to occur efficiently.