water heater anode rod removal

[huffmuds9320]

I'm trying to replace the anode rod in the water heater. That thing is on really tight. I sprayed some PB Blaster on there and used a breaker bar. That didn't work so tried using an electric impact wrench but still doesn't budge at all. Any suggestions, thanks.

 

[fxrider]

Buy a new water heater.

 

[HTSS_TR]

The original water heater of my 1970 house (bought in 1997) had a leak in 2003-2004, I bought a Sears floor demo/dented 40 gallons for less than $250 shipped/installed/haul-away the old one, but I got a brand new in the box. At that time there was a $100 rebate from water agency so that the final cost was less than $150.

 

[mechtech2]

Heat is next.
A propane torch should suffice.
And use a longer wrench/whatever. A piece of pipe on a wrench will help. Amazing how this can make things come off.

You may not have roof clearance for a long rod! Once it is out, hold it, vice grip it so it won't fall back, and hack saw it.
Use a linked/chained replacement to be able to put a new one in if ceiling clearance is low.

 

[Warstud]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
You may not have roof clearance for a long rod!


You can bend them!

 

[bluestream]

I large pipe wrench should work. Why are you changing it? I took mine out after 13 years and it was still like new

 

[huffmuds9320]

The water heater is about 7 or 8 years old and its working fine. I'm just replacing the anode rod for preventive maintenance.

I'll try the torch to heat it to see if it will help. There should be just enough clearance in my basement to remove the rod. That is a good tip about using vice grip to hold it to saw it off if there is not enough clearance on top. When using a pipe on the breaker bar I find that the water heater actually moved slightly. So probably have to get someone to hold the tank while trying to loosen it. Thanks.

 

[bigmike]

I never could get mine out either. I put a breaker bar on it and it just spun the entire heater in a circle. I have no way to brace the thing, other than someone bear hugging it. No volunteers for that service as of yet.

 

[bluestream]

I think you will find that it looks like new. My area has very hard water and the heater Mfgr recommends the anode be replaced every 2 years. As I said, my tank rusted through at 13 years and I took out the anode just for curiosity and it was all there and looked like new. Some lime on a few areas...

 

[Kestas]

Perhaps it was electrically isolated from the rest of the heater. Too much teflon tape?... just a thought.

 

[bluestream]

It came from the factory that way. No teflon tape on it, maybe some pipe dope??