Aluminum Vs Magnesium Anode Rod

Aluminum and magnesium rods.

Aluminum vs magnesium anode rod.

But first let s compare the two most common types of anode rods you ll find in water heaters today. Unlike aluminum anode rods dissolved magnesium offers health benefits. Aluminum anodes tend to be cheaper than magnesium anode rods. Aluminum anode rods are cheaper than magnesium anode rods.

Let s put on our chemistry hats and explore this a bit further. The chemical reaction for rusting begins by oxidation which is when iron loses two of its electrons to the oxygen found in the tank. The aluminum rods are the slowest performing anode rods built from aluminum. In the same way that ships use sacrificial rods to protect the metal of the hull an anode rod attracts the corrosion and keep the rust and corroding elements away from the water tank itself.

In addition to high tds total disolved solids low ph acidic water and high ph alkaline water or oxygen and dissolved co2 or high levels of salts or sulfates or corrosion related bacteria and electrochemical corrosion will eat away more aggressivley on the anode rod. To be fair this type of rod is much less expensive when you compare it with the magnesium or any other type of rods. This can potentially find its way into your taps and cause issues down the. A magnesium rod will generally last less than an aluminum rod.

Water heater anode rods. Reaction with water elements can sometimes lead to production of hydrogen sulfide which comes out as a rotten egg smell in the water. Magnesium rods are more expensive. So you suspect your water heater s current anode rod needs replacing so you re figuring out which type you ought to purchase as a replacement.

One issue with aluminium rods is that the corrosive material that is formed on the anode tends to harden and sink to the bottom of the water tank. Anode rod magnesium or aluminum. An aluminum water heater anode rod is placed into a water heater to prevent corrosion. Aluminum vs magnesium our review.