A sacrificial anode system and associated surface pipe system maintenance method designed to protect surface pipes and associated parts. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the sacrificial anode system is installable at an interface between a first pipe and a second pipe and comprises an insertion sleeve shaped to fit along an inner surface of the first pipe, a flange attached to the insertion sleeve and shaped to rest against an end surface of the first pipe, a sacrificial anode to be positioned within the first pipe, and a stem linking the sacrificial anode to the insertion sleeve. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for maintaining a surface pipe system is also provided.