Aluminum Vs Magnesium Anode Rod

Water heater anode rods.

Aluminum vs magnesium anode rod.

Both magnesium and aluminum are less noble metals meaning they corrode quickly in water. An aluminum water heater anode rod is placed into a water heater to prevent corrosion. Aluminum vs magnesium our review. Since the working mechanism is slow this is the reason why it produces low voltage during electrolysis.

The aluminum rods are the slowest performing anode rods built from aluminum. Aluminum anode rods are cheaper than magnesium anode rods. To be fair this type of rod is much less expensive when you compare it with the magnesium or any other type of rods. 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.

Reaction with water elements can sometimes lead to production of hydrogen sulfide which comes out as a rotten egg smell in the water. Let s put on our chemistry hats and explore this a bit further. A magnesium rod will generally last less than an aluminum rod. This can potentially find its way into your taps and cause issues down the.

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. Aluminum anodes tend to be cheaper than magnesium anode rods. Magnesium rods are more expensive. But first let s compare the two most common types of anode rods you ll find in water heaters today.

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. An anode rod is made up of magnesium or aluminum. The chemical reaction for rusting begins by oxidation which is when iron loses two of its electrons to the oxygen found in the tank. Anode rod magnesium or aluminum.