Plumbing Question - Copper Pipes Degrading

[CNGsaves]

You need to remove the sacrificial anode in the water heater and see if any of it is left. My guess is not, and the copper is serving as the sacrificial anode.

I was thinking this too regarding the anode rod. Question is HOW could he remove in the cramped quarters ?? Is there enough room above the HWH??

Also, did you drain out/flush water out of bottom of HWH to see if it was filling with crud (sediment/calcification/etc)??

+1 to have your water tested as it may not be "safe" to drink, if it is corroding your copper lines.