Ten years ago there where no aluminum rods being sold.
Water heater anode rod aluminum vs magnesium.
Aluminum vs magnesium rods anode rods are made of either aluminum or magnesium.
We specify commercial water heaters for projects and the heaters we utilize are always magnesium and i don t believe that aluminum is even an option.
They work better at changing sulfates into hydrogen sulfides.
If it was aluminum it would be useless because the water heater tank is aluminum also.
Aluminum anode rods are a great option where the water contains a lot of sulfates.
So is aluminum good enough considering most of the galvanized pipe has been replaced with pex.
Water heater anode rods are generally screwed into the top of the tank.
Aluminum vs magnesium our conclusion.
Ensure that the anode rode isn t in contact with any inner parts of the water heater.
I should probably replace the anode rod in my water heater.
Water heater anode rods.
Magnesium may react with bacteria causing a sulfurous smell.
Aluminum rods collect a buildup of corrosive materials that harden and make taking them out for inspection or replacement a challenge.
A magnesium rod will generally last less than an aluminum rod.
Water heater anode rod aluminum vs magnesium aluminum anode rods.
This in turn allows it to do a better job of fighting off tank corrosion.
Either will work but if you review your handy nobility chart it shows that magnesium is the less noble metal so theoretically magnesium will perform better at protecting the water heater than an aluminum rod would.
Anode rods installed into water heaters by the manufacturers will generally be made of magnesium or aluminum that is wrapped around a steel core wire.
Suburban water heaters are steel tanks with a porcelain lining thus the need for anode rods incase a crack incures keeping the tank safe.
They don t produce nasty sediment problems and they re reactive enough to neutralize problems in acidic water.
Aluminum anodes tend to be cheaper than magnesium anode rods.
I see aluminum or magnesium rods for sale the magnesium costs double.
Magnesium anode rods are easy to install.
If you ask most professional plumbers they ll tell you a magnesium anode rod is preferred simply because it produces a stronger current than aluminum types.
The magnesium is softer and will erode before the tank.
Many plumbers prefer magnesium anodes because they produce a stronger current making them more effective at keeping the water tank from corroding.
Aluminum in the water.
To be fair this type of rod is much less expensive when you compare it with the magnesium or any other type of rods.
Aluminum rods don t have this problem as often.
For harder water an aluminum anode rod is the best choice for your heater and if you live in an area with soft water then a magnesium anode rod is your best choice.
