When your water heater starts to make loud noises when heating up, it can be due to the build-up of sediment in the water tank or high levels of corrosion in the water tank. Q1. Overall, it is good practice to replace your water heater anode rod every 3-5 years to keep your water tank corrosion-free. But it’s all about the quality of water that you have. It is not specified for direct consumption. So you need to be specific about the rod length that you choose. In areas with soft water, the magnesium anode rod is the better option. Aluminum anode rods, as the name suggests, are made using aluminum. The aluminum anode rod is available at a much cheaper rate than any other anode rod. Not every anode rod that you buy from the local market may fit with your heater. Ensuring that you have the right water heater anode rod will extend the durability of your water heater and prevent corrosion. If you find that the water heater pan is accumulating water, this means that your water heater anode rods are not working efficiently and they need to be replaced. The anode should be checked and replaced every couple of years. Which One’s Better? This type of anode rods will prevent water from getting the pungent smell of sulfides since they are more effective at converting sulfates into hydrogen sulfides. This results in higher bills. Because of such a high-performance mechanism, these rods are mainly used in areas that receive soft water. In order to find out whether the rods in your hot water system are made of aluminum, take one in your hand, and bend it. The aluminum anode rod is available at a much cheaper rate than any other anode rod. Thus, when you place an aluminum or magnesium anode rod into a iron or steel tank of water, the oxygen in the equation takes the two electrons of the anode rod instead of the tank, as they gave them up quicker. 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. However, if you have to cut it, just make sure that you are doing it with a hacksaw and then cut out the extra length accordingly. In some situations where water is more conductive, i.e. Will exposure to more water use the rod faster? How Do You Know it is Time to Replace Your Water Heater Anode Rod? Q4. Magnesium anode rods are known to increase the level of hydrogen sulfides to extreme levels. If the internal components of the heater get damaged completely, there will be no option left but to buy a new heater. They work better at changing sulfates into hydrogen sulfides. Since the aluminum anode rods are less reactive compared to magnesium anode rods, they generally last longer than the magnesium iron rods. ... what is The Difference Between A $400 water heater vs $800 Water Water Heater of the same make and size. Magnesium rods are more expensive than aluminum. So all the anode rods will be both flexible and solid at the same time! TanklessWaterHeaterExpress is reader-supported. Water Heater Anode Rod Aluminum VS Magnesium, Comparing Rheem VS AO Smith Water Heater? BAB Media Inc is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If it was aluminum, it would be useless because the water heater tank is aluminum also. When sediment settles at the bottom of the water tank, the water heater tends to get noisier. As a general rule, magnesium anode rods work better than aluminum/zinc anode rods but don’t last as long. Q2. The original anode rod is/was magnesium, but these are hard to find these days. See the article 'Anode Rod Installation Types' for information on each type. It is done because the rod diverts the entire corrosion to them. If you have a low water pH, or soft water (this is easy to test for), an magnesium anode rod is your best bet. On the other hand, the magnesium rods are much more professional when it comes to prevention from corrosion. This is mainly because it produces minerals to reach with the water that can lead to the formation of hydrogen sulfide. You may get a rotten egg smell. The anode rod is typically made out of aluminum or even magnesium and, without it, your water heater would start leaking well before a water heater with its anode rod still in place. I'm not sure because I can't find any info on the anode and GE doesn't make these water heaters any more. Magnesium anode rods are also known as sacrificial rods since they prevent rusting by diverting corrosion to themselves. Having magnesium or an aluminum-based anode rod means that you can be protected for long. The aluminum rods are the slowest performing anode rods built from aluminum. This type of rod does not last as long as aluminum. These devices work because the metal in the rod is sacrificed so the tank does not corrode. So now you’re willing to purchase a new tank-based water heater and get confused? Some of the dissolved water materials may be good for health but not all. By replacing the magnesium or aluminum anode rod with a combination aluminum/zinc/tin anode rod you may help decrease this smell, but it may not eliminate it completely. So it’s a great option to choose if there is no corrosion. Coming to the comparison, both of these rods can be handy for you to use. Bill D. Magnesium rods are more reactive and yield a higher voltage than the aluminum rods and therefore tend to have a shorter lifespan. Anode rods are made from magnesium or aluminum. Some may belong while some of them may just be short. The Anode: Magnesium is a leading anode material given its ability to best protect the steel tank. This rod sheds electrons which are absorbed by the carbon steel water tank casing. 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. A magnesium rod will generally last less than an … This is the widespread anode rod in modern water heaters though it does not work very well in areas with hard water. [Top 7 Brands Compared], 5 Amazing Cost Effective Ways to Heat Your Home | 2021 Updated, 8 Best Under Sink Water Heater Reviews 2021 [Buying Guide Inside], 7 Best Outdoor Tankless Water Heater Reviews in 2021 [Buying Guide Inside]. If the water is hard and it has a higher level of contamination, it will get more difficult for you to deal with the anode rod. These rods are the better option for areas with hard water and for water containing high levels of sulfates. Moreover, the rods can easily provide a solution to the high alkaline water that is caused by the high levels of chloramines and chlorine present in the water. It slowly starts to fail. But let’s dive into the details about picking the right type of anode rod to verdict on which one heats better, runs for a longer time, and even serves you better. Suburban water heaters are steel tanks with a porcelain lining thus the need for anode rods incase a crack incures keeping the tank safe. Since it gives away the electrons repeatedly to purify the water, it will lose all the electrons after a stipulated time. Even if the anode rod is working perfectly, this water is mainly used for cooking and a shower. If it is easily bent, then the metal is aluminum. Ensure that the anode rode isn’t in contact with any inner parts of the water heater. You will find that most tank-based water heaters have aluminum anode rods. As a result, they have a much shorter life span as compared to the other anode rods available. This type of anode rods come with dissolved magnesium and health benefits. See the article 'Anode Rod Metal Types' for information on the differences. When choosing an anode rod, you typically have the option of aluminum or magnesium. What rod you choose will depend on three things: your water quality, the location of the anode rod, and how easy it is to access the installation point. Remember that the durability of your water tank depends on the proper function of the anode rod to prevent corrosion. My understanding is a magnesium rod protects better but is faster to be used up and more expensive and aluminum is better for hard water use, last longer and is cheaper. Thus, you must check the situation of the anode rod after the warranty period is over. Your tank-style water heater relies on an anode rod to keep working reliably. Required Tools for this Project A3. It’s not only because of the hard water, but multiple factors can speed up the rate of corrosion and also multiple other factors. To be fair, this type of rod is much less expensive when you compare it with the magnesium or any other type of rods. They are a great option for the in-line installation in cold water and screw-in application that can reduce the time of installation. The pH of your water also changes the way your water heater anode rod functions. I imagine that either would work; I think that magnesium is more popular, and might work better because aluminum forms a hard oxide which protects the metal from attack. A4. Magnesium … Ease of Installation Old anodes will cause increased sediment build up in the water tank, so replacing them on time can save you money. Aluminum anode rods are a great option where the water contains a lot of sulfates. The best part of using the aluminum anode rod is for places where there are a lot of sulfates present in the water. Aluminum is the longest-lasting and least expensive option. The anode rod comes with special properties that can prevent rusting with the help of electrons. Aluminum anode rods are more affordable than magnesium anode rods. Most anode rods carried by the big box stores are aluminum and I think the current replacement GE (or White Rogers) part is aluminum. It “gives up” electrons more freely than aluminum. This anode rod reacts slowly with water elements and therefore lasts longer than magnesium. Anode rods are made of other metals other than steel, usually magnesium or aluminum, that react electro negatively in relation to the steel lining of the tank. Since the working mechanism is slow, this is the reason why it produces low voltage during electrolysis. Water Heater Anode Rod Aluminum VS Magnesium! At the same time, they are quite expensive to purchase. Because of the corrosion, these rods must be replaced because there are no electrons left to treat the water. As Aluminum anode rods corrode they can produce an aluminum oxide deposit normally found at the bottom of water heaters, but occasionally make it into the main water supply and into faucet aerators. But, if something is left uncovered do let us know in the comments below. These rods, just like the magnesium anode rods, divert corrosion from the water heater to themselves and in this way increases the durability of your water tank. Copyright © 2021 BAB Media Inc. All rights reserved. So how do you know which anode rod is best for your water tank? In terms of price, aluminum anode rods tend to be cheaper than magnesium rods and are therefore the best option if you are on a budget. You should check and replace your Anode Rod on a regular basis. Another popular metal for making anode rods is magnesium. (Most water heaters come with an aluminum rod as standard equipment.) softened water or lower pH levels, this sacrificial process is accelerated; in those cases, aluminum is a better choice. Magnesium vs. Aluminum Rods Many plumbers prefer magnesium anodes because they produce a stronger current making them more effective at keeping the water tank from corroding. So, let’s begin with the Hot Water Heater Anode Rod Aluminum VS Magnesium Comparison. On the other hand, the magnesium rods are much more professional when it comes to prevention from corrosion. For alkaline water, water with high levels of chlorine and chloramines, magnesium anode rods are the best option. If your water heater is over 5 years old and when you check the anode rod you find it is completely corroded, you’re probably better off replacing the anode rod with a cheaper aluminum, magnesium, or zinc anode rod because you’ll likely need to … They include an alloy of zinc and aluminum materials, They can remove any type of pungent smell, Rods may fall off to the bottom of the heater, It provides good protection from corrosion. The more sediment there is in your water tank, the harder your heater has to work to heat the water. But it all depends on the locality and the quality of water in the surroundings. The choice of which water heater anode is best for your needs will be determined by your budget and the level of hardness in your water. Aluminum deposits are harmful to your body and can lead to health complications. The tank present inside the heater accumulates a lot of pressure because of the heat and also the acid that is present inside the water. With the addition of a magnesium or aluminum water heater anode, the electric current travels from the water to the anode and to the other metal fixtures. Of course, it will wear out easily and without any further delay. Anode rods are the most important line of Anode rods are the most important line of defense in increasing water heater tank life and preventing leaks. So basically, it’s a suicidal rod that can sacrifice itself to help you get fresh water for a bath. Aluminum anode rods typically act by producing a low voltage during electrolysis which slows down the rate of corrosion. Aluminum rods are not as effective at preventing corrosion as magnesium. Unlike magnesium rods, aluminum rods are more efficient at converting sulfates into hydrogen sulfides, which means that the water will not get the rotten egg smell that can result from the accumulation of excess sulfides. So is aluminum good enough considering most of the galvanized pipe has been replaced with pex. As a result of this, magnesium, aluminum, or even zinc are the most common types of metals used for the product. The working mechanism for this is simple and it is quite effective. Tank-based water heaters are highly susceptible to corrosion, largely due to the pressure from the heat they produce and water acidity. This type of rod performs best with soft water since it is not as resistant to corrosion as aluminum anode rods. All things considered, the magnesium anode rods is overall the best choice since it is more effective at preventing corrosion and has health benefits when dissolved in water. Magnesium anode rods are more effective in preventing corrosion since they produce a stronger current which helps to prevent corrosion in the water tank. It is important to check your water heater anode rod periodically. If there is a valve on the cold water supply line, turn that off, otherwise turn off the water at the meter or pump. The choice of which water heater anode is best for your needs will be determined by your budget and the level of hardness in your water. After a few months, you may experience multiple technical problems with the heater and you’ll end up paying a lot of money. A Short Guide to Anode Rods in Water Heaters. I should probably replace the anode rod in my water heater. It is good practice to replace your water heater anode rod every 3- 5 years to keep your water tank corrosion-free. Monitoring the status of your anode rod every 2 – 4 years will help you know the best time to replace it to avoid the complete disintegration of the anode rod. Aluminum deposits are harmful to the liver, kidney, brain, and spleen. We tried to cover all the possible differences between the Water Heater Anode Rod Aluminum VS Magnesium. A1. Aluminum rods produce byproducts which end up causing the buildup of sediment in the water tank. But the one thing that makes everyone go gaga over the magnesium rods is the option of adding health benefits to the water. All home Water Heaters have a large Aluminum Anode Rod installed in the tank. Water heater anode rods are used to prevent rusting and extend the lifespan of your water heater, which means that the right water heater anode rod will play a major role in maintaining your water heater and keeping it functional for as long as possible. So it’s a great option to choose if there is no corrosion. Anode Rods are the most important line of defense in increasing water heater tank life and preventing leaks. To be fair, the anode rod may just be a bit shorter than the length of your water heater. Aluminum anodes tend to be cheaper than magnesium anode rods. If your gas water heater has a “Vacation” setting, that will allow you to work on the unit without relighting the pilot afterward. While magnesium rods are safer and more effective in preventing corrosion, in areas with hard water, the aluminum water heater anode rods are more effective. Replacing anode rods can be labor-intensive and expensive and sometimes it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire tank. However, when it comes to the manufacturing of anode rods, there are specialized reactive metals. Anode rods act as a sacrificial metal element that gives electrons to the steel tank and reduces rust to extend the life of your water heater. If the water in your area is hard, then the aluminum anode rod is the best choice for you. This means they will need to be changed less often. So you can’t expect to say that the water inside is safe to drink. 02/26/18. These devices work because the metal in the rod is more easily corroded than the metal of the water heater tank. [5 Major Points Covered], What Brand of Water Heater is the Most Reliable? But the flexible part of any rod is just the joint. Dissolved magnesium has health benefits which makes it safer to use in your. Do you have a 'hex head' anode rod or is it a 'hot water outlet' anode rod. An anode rod measures up to 40 inches long, depending on the size of your appliance. Magnesium Anode. This type of water heater anode rod is an ideal choice for in-line installations in cold water and screw-in applications. You may notice a pungent or rotten egg smell coming from your. TanklessWaterHeaterExpress is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon(.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. When this happens, especially after long periods of time, it becomes impossible to remove them. In areas with soft water, the magnesium anode rod is the better option. But before that, you must know that the anode rods only work with the tank based systems and not the tankless ones. Ten years ago there where no aluminum rods being sold. Aluminum rods tend to get larger as they corrode. They therefore perform better than aluminum anode rods. Honestly, all the anode rods undergo a lot of pressure and heat at the same time. Originally Posted by hoefler. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is the reason why the anode rod must be replaced every 3 to 5 years to keep the heater healthy and safe for use. If you see the construction of any of the anode rods present, you wouldn’t have been confused so much. The anode rod works specifically to change the sulfates into hydrogen sulfides that can reduce the levels of contamination. In any case, water heater anode rods are essential for protecting your tank from corrosion, but they eventually wear out after around 3-5 years, depending on many factors including the hardness or softness of your water. Which one to buy and which one not to…this question leaves everyone baffled. If you find that you are getting clogs in the water filter and faucet aerators, this can be due to the accumulation of sediment and points to the fact that your node rod needs to be replaced. So I think it's that time. When the rod is depleted, it can no longer protect your tank Magnesium anode rods are longer lasting and offer better rust protection compared to aluminum rods with minimal effects on human health. If the water in your area is hard, then the aluminum anode rod is the best choice for you. Once the rod will have no more electrons left to give, it will start rusting and in the end, there will not be any further electrolysis process available. Soft water corrodes metal faster… and an aluminum anode rod may not be reactive enough to cover the bases here. The choices are Aluminum, Magnesium and a combination of Aluminum/Zinc/Tin. Aluminum would probably be a bit cheaper, and would contribute less hardness to the water, but that is a tiny issue in this application. Q3. Aluminum/zinc rods anode are cheaper and are recommended if you have smelly water. Judging by the state of my recent anode rod from a 2 1/2-year-old tank it must have been magnesium. If you notice a slimy substance when cleaning the faucet aerator, it may be time to replace your water heater anode rod. The bonds between the molecules of magnesium and aluminum give up their electrons faster than the bonds in steel or iron. Usually, they last for about 3-5 years. 2. The anode rod screws into the top of the tank and protrudes into the water below. Over time, this rod will dissolve and need replaced. But consult a water treatment specialist before switching to an aluminum rod. What is the option to cut an anode rod? To work with this, the magnesium rod also comes with a higher voltage and may be more reactive than others. I see Aluminum or Magnesium rods for sale, the magnesium costs double. Will a solid rod last longer than a flexible anode rod? If there are hard water contaminants present, the level of corrosion even increases further. Aluminum vs Magnesium: Which is Better? Because of this, it is made with solid metal to last longer. Aluminum rods collect a buildup of corrosive materials that harden and make taking them out for inspection or replacement a challenge. How Often Should You Check Your Water Heater Anode Rod? Before performing any work on a water heater, you should always turn off the circuit breaker or turn off the thermostat on gas models. You can conveniently schedule it during your annual plumbing inspection. Due to the sediment build-up caused by aluminum anode rods, there is a higher risk of clogs in the water filters and tap aerators. non-sacrificial rods (meaning they don’t degrade like a normal anode rod) which use electrical pulses to deal with corrosive elements in your water The main feature of the magnesium anode rod is to prevent the internal components from corroding. Honestly, this is not at all about more water or less water. Hot Water Anode: Aluminum vs Magnesium. It is intended to slow down the corrosion. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Unless your water is exceptionally iron-laden, you should be fine with an aluminum or magnesium rod. Thus, the anode rod becomes one of the primary components inside a heater to get corrosion. Aluminum anode rods last longer than magnesium anode rods partly because they are less reactive. A magnesium water heater anode rod protects your tank better but doesn’t last as long as an aluminum/ zinc rod. The magnesium is softer and will erode before the tank. Because of this, the corrosion will take place inside the heater. So with time, the rods simply wear out. If the anode rod gets dissolved, will it be safe to drink? To be fair, the water inside the heater only gets heated and never boils up. (3) What type installation will it be. Most of the heaters come with anode rod as a standard option because of this mechanism. If you live with hard water locality, you must pick out the magnesium rods. You must keep one thing in mind that neither of the heaters will serve you with a warranty and a maintenance service if the heater is filled with hard water and the locality is being highly affected because of this. It might then suggest that water heater manufactures would be limited to using x cm^2 total surface area of aluminum in their products such that the exposure to humans is reduced below x mg/L per day, etc for the purpose of hot water for cooking and bathing. BAB Media Inc. is compensated for referring traffic and business to websites. This rod is specified to treat the water with electrolysis by treating the water with the help of electrons. In both cases, the water heater anode rods need to be replaced. A2. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Without getting too technical, water heaters will eventually succumb to corrosion from the water itself. Magnesium Anode. The same time water heater anode rod aluminum vs magnesium it ’ s all about more water use the rod is the best option the of. For anode rods are the slowest performing anode rods as magnesium that harden and make taking them out inspection. Resistant to corrosion as aluminum anode rod or magnesium rods are the slowest anode! To remove them stipulated time copyright © 2021 BAB Media Inc. all reserved... More reactive than others the liver, kidney, brain, and spleen less... To buy a new heater the galvanized pipe has been replaced with pex kidney brain... 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