Corroded anode rod and rusted tank base
Why it happens here
Salt air accelerates corrosion on every metal surface, and the anode rod is the first part to go. Once it is spent, the tank lining starts to fail from the inside. Homes on the north and east sides see this fastest.
Our approach
We check the anode rod on every visit and replace it when it is spent. On a new install, we set a fresh rod so you get full life from the tank. If the base is already rusted through, we replace the unit.