Anode Rod

[Bill Tattersall]

Anybody have any thoughts on getting this out of a hot water heater. 1 1/16 wrench. Tried an impact wrench, no go. Tried a breaker bar with extension and only succeeded in moving the entire heater. Soaked with Kroil for a week, and tried impact wrench again, no go. Maybe a bigger impact wrench or an induction heater? Can't use a torch because of the foam insulation.

 

[Ericp351]

First, do not overthink. Next, put impact away. Now, get a pail of water and your oxygen torch. Heat and spin out with box end or pipe wrench. Water to wet foam. Wet foam ain,t gonna melt.

 

[Texasmark]

Good luck!!!!!!

 

[Russ from MN]

Leave it be, you will probably ruin the tank if you keep trying!

 

[a49deere]

Leave it be, you will probably ruin the tank if you keep trying!

Agree with RUSS, if it ain't giving you trouble don't make a trouble! How old is tank? What is your reasoning for thinking it needs to be changed? Do you flush it once or twice a year?

 

[Ericp351]

Mr. Bill is on track. Just needs to heat, remove. Really can add years to tank. Proven.

 

[Ray,IN]

IMO, if the heater is over 20 yrs old, just replace it; you've already gotten you monies worth anyway.

 

[drsportster]

Heat is your friend

 

[Stephen Newell]

I wouldn't remove it. It's designed to last the life of the water heater. If it's corroded away chances are the tank is too, I would wait until the tank fails and replace the unit.