What type of anode does AO Smith use?
One of the commonly used zinc-aluminum anode rods our technicians install is an A.O. Smith KA-90 Anode Rod (100108571). This type of anode has helped many of our well water based customers rid their homes of the smelly water (see image slider).
Are powered anode rods worth it?
Overall, there are quite a few advantages to using powered anode rods. They don’t degrade, prevent smelly water (by killing anaerobic bacteria that leads to that rotten egg smell), and protect your hot water heater from corrosive elements in the water.
What is a magnesium anode?
What Does Magnesium Anode Mean? A magnesium anode is used as a sacrificial anode in cathodic protection. Magnesium has the highest driving voltage of all the materials used for sacrificial anodes. Magnesium is low on the noble scale, and therefore corrodes easily.
How long do magnesium anode rods last?
about three to five years
Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater.
Why do they put magnesium rods in a steel hot water heater?
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.
Do all A.O. Smith water heaters have anode rods?
A.O. Smith is a manufacturer of hot water tanks, and the company includes at least one anode rod in each of its models. Check anode rods every three to five years; replace them as needed, but never remove one without installing a new rod.
How often should you replace the anode rod in a water heater?
Most water heater manufacturers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one (1) to three (3) years and replacing it when it has been consumed more than 50%. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.
How long do powered anodes last?
How Long do Powered Anode Rods Last? Generally, an anode rod can last three years to five years. However, the lifespan depends on various factors, such as the quality of the water and how long water travels in the water heater tank.
How long do magnesium anodes last?
So if you used a magnesium anode in place of the “100 day” zinc anode it would only last 30 days. The aluminum anode would last between 130 and 150 days.
Which anode rod is best?
Magnesium anode rods are expected to work better in a home with soft water. Aluminum anodes are appropriate for homes with hard water and a high PH. Zinc anodes work best if a home is starting to smell like rotten eggs and is best for replacing water heaters that already dissolved.
How long does a magnesium anode rod last?
Can you cut a magnesium 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.
What anode rod is best for well water?
Aluminum/zinc anode rods
Aluminum/zinc anode rods work best for well water. This makes aluminum the best option for your water heater in most cases. However, well water also comes with an unpleasant smell, which the zinc manages.
What is the best anode rod for smelly water?
zinc anode rod
Preventative method #1: Use a zinc anode rod One way to prevent the hydrogen sulfide smell is to use a zinc or aluminum-zinc alloy anode rod. The reason is that zinc doesn’t react the same way with bacteria as magnesium or aluminum (by itself).