magnesium rods are an important part of your water heater that protects the inner tank from corrosion. These rods come in different shapes and sizes. They can be made from aluminum, aluminum/zinc alloy or magnesium.
How often do you need to replace your magnesium rod?
You’ll want to get a new rod about every 2 years. If you live in an area with poor water quality, you may need to replace your rod sooner.
What does a magnesium anode rod do?
A magnesium anode rod works as a sacrificial anode. It consumes the negative ions in the water and prevents the metal liner from corroding.
Sacrificial anodes are a good option for water heaters that have a problem with sulfate-tinged water or rotten-egg odors. They’ll change sulfates into hydrogen sulfides and help eliminate the stench.
What are the benefits of magnesium anode rods?
When you have a magnesium anode rod in your water heater, the negative ions in the water are absorbed and not dispersed through the tank. This softens the water and reduces the amount of scale that builds up.
The magnesium anode rod also protects the metal liner from corrosion by combining with the negative ions in the water. This helps prevent the tank from leaking and prolongs the lifespan of the water heater.
You can buy magnesium anode rods from a number of companies. They are usually able to custom-design and manufacture magnesium anode rods for your specific needs. They offer a variety of shapes and sizes and can be machined to a 45 degree angle or a “pencil-tip” shape.