Anode

[rvskipper]

I am trying to remove the anode from my Suburban water heater. I cannot get it to budge even with my breaker bar. Any ideas?

[rvskipper]

I am trying to remove the anode from my Suburban water heater. I cannot get it to budge even with my breaker bar. Any ideas?

[quikduk]

I had an issue with mine too. It turned out that the calcium build-up had seeped into the threads. I used a propane torch to heat the area, tapped the head firmly yet gently with a hammer and then it came out.

I had to use a sharp Snap-On seal pick to clean all the threads, then I followed this with a stainless brush, then a brass brush and then finally coated the threads of the new anode with liquid teflon pipe dope.

That threaded "bung" is welded into the WH case but I wouldn't try to put too much force on it.

[wagonmaster2]

If you don't have a torch, or uncomfortable using one, and you still have water in the heater, you might try turning on the heater to heat up the water and as stated above, tap on the end of the anode to maybe break loose the calcium build-up. If the anode does break loose then, be sure to let the water cool before completely removing the anode so as not to get scolded.
Wagonmaster2

[CHIPPYSGT]

Old trick I learned in the Air Force. Try tightening it just a wee bit. Sometimes that will break it loose and then you can get it out. You might give it a squirt of penetrating oil an hour or so beforehand.

[Jeeperrmartin]

Farmers and mechanics use this tip all the time, of slightly tightening.