Anode rod aluminum vs. magnesium

zepfan

is there any difference in an aluminum or magnesium anode rod when installed in a natural gas water heater? In other words is one better than the other? Specially when installed on city water supply, not a well.
The reason I ask is that our local supply house is running low on heaters that have magnesium rods, but have plenty that have aluminum anode rods. I would consider the water quality to be fairly good from our local utility.

Thanks to all

mattmia2

it is more important that you check them regularly and replace them when depleted than the type if bacteria isn't an issue

psb75

I was told that the "factory issued" anode rod is generally magnesium. I just had a client who had "stinky water" i.e. sulphury-smelling or "rotten egg" smell. This was only the hot water. I replaced the magesium rod with an aluminum rod. The smell went away quickly.

tcassano87

one isn’t better then the other, it’s a matter of your water quality and what’s better for the specific situation. Also like the above comment if you have rotten egg smelling water then 100% replace it to aluminum

Larry Weingarten

Hi, If you promise never to cook with or drink the hot water, and always rinse it from the faucet before using cold water, than it might be okay. Aluminum is a neurotoxin and I'd always remove those rods and replace with magnesium when servicing water heaters. There is an old document written by a doctor in the archives here, which goes into much more detail.

Yours, Larry