What Does an Anode Do in a Hot Water Heater?

What does an anode do in a hot water heater? The anode is the part of the hot water heater that comes in contact with the water as it is heated. The term ‘anode’ actually refers to the part of the hot water heater referred to as the ‘anode’. The part of the hot water heater referred to as the ‘cathode’ is the part of the hot water heater referred to as the ‘ester’.