I installed a gas water heater when I built our Palisade home. The water is good with very little mineral content. At about 7 years in, we had low water flow and clogged faucets. I removed the anode and found it had broken down and was the cause of the clogging. I think it was cheap chinamade junk that GE put in their heaters. Never had the problem again until I replaced the heater after 20 years and went with an indirect tank that uses the boiler. It provides unlimited hot water.

The gas heater at the cabin is the original March 1965 Montgomery Wards unit. I drain it every few years when I need to work on the water system. I collects some rust particles but not enough to cover the bottom of the glass tank. The main problem is the drain valve which needs a new seal and packing from time to time. The more often one drains the tank, the more likely it is to get leaks from the gate valve.