Questions and answers

What is the best material for a water heater anode rod?

What is the best material for a water heater anode rod?

Magnesium is a leading anode material given its ability to best protect the steel tank. It “gives up” electrons more freely than aluminum. In some situations where water is more conductive, i.e. softened water or lower pH levels, this sacrificial process is accelerated; in those cases, aluminum is a better choice.

Should I use an aluminum or magnesium anode rod?

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. Aluminum anodes tend to be cheaper than magnesium anode rods. A magnesium rod will generally last less than an aluminum rod.

What is an aluminum zinc anode?

Sacrificial anode rod for water heater tank made from aluminum-zinc alloy cures rotten egg (sulfur) smell in hot water. Eliminates rotten egg smell in hot water caused by hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) and extends service life of water heater tank.

Do aluminum water heaters need anode rods?

If you have a Suburban water heater, the tank is porcelain-lined steel and requires an anode rod to prevent corrosion of the steel tank. If you have an Atwood water heater, your water heater tank is aluminum and does not require one.

How do I know if my anode rod is bad?

A bad anode rod can cause discolored water, a rotten egg smell, air in the lines and intermittent hot water. The anode rod protects the tank of electric water heaters & signs it should be replaced are a rotten egg smell, no heat & strange sounds.

Can anode rod causing rotten egg smell?

The most common cause of smelly water is anaerobic bacteria that exist in some water and react with the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes that come with most water heaters to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, making the classic rotten egg odor. Softening can make smelly water much worse.

How do I know what size anode rod to buy?

As a rule you want the anode to be “tip to toe” running the full height or length of the tank. If you cant see your brand on the chart then just measure the length of the tank and pick the closest length of anode. If the anode is too long they can be simply cut to length with a hack saw.

Is it OK to remove anode rod?

Yes, you can cut your sacrificial anode rod, whether it is magnesium or aluminum, to replace it. To do this, use a pair of gloves and a saw and cut as you remove the old anode.

Can a bad anode rod causing rotten egg smell?

Many anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum. When these rods corrode, the metals react with the sulfates in the water, turning the sulfate into stinky hydrogen sulfide.

What does the anode rod in my water heater do?

The anode rod is a piece designed to slow down corrosion and rusting in water heaters. The rod is made of magnesium, which wears out faster than steel. When water corrodes the magnesium, the anode rod releases electrons into the tank which form a protective barrier around the steel of the tank.

Where to buy anode rod?

Aluminum anode rods are a common type used in new water heaters. There are both health and performance concerns associated with aluminum anode rods. You can purchase an aluminum anode rod online, at plumbing and home supply stores for around $20 to $25.

Are aluminum anode rods safe?

Some plumbers say that aluminum anode rods are not safe because they put aluminum in your water supply. There are some clinical studies that suggest that aluminum might be a contributing factor in Alzheimer’s disease. It should be noted that most of these studies focused on the aluminum added by water treatment plants.

Which is anode rod do you use for well water?

What is the best anode rod for well water? Aluminum anode rods are best for places with hard water. The aluminum rod will withstand harder water better than a magnesium or zinc rod. Zinc anode rods are designed to eliminate or reduce the sulphur or rotten egg smell present. Click to see full answer.