Community Forums

SantinoDad · 05-23-2022, 10:23 PM

Does it make sense to heat up my water tank and then try and remove a stuck Anode Rod from my Suburban water heater? Sucker has a good amount of rust visible on the threads. Will heating the tank make the rod and threads expand to make it easier to remove or just the opposite?

Old-Biscuit · 05-23-2022, 10:32 PM

Suburban Tank is Steel & Glas Lined........

Heating tank will allow the tank threads to expand
Chilling the head of anode rod will allow its threads to contract

You will have better luck with Impact wrench, cheater bar, breaker bar then heat
*such a small area to try and get heat into w/o melting insulation jacket etc

TXiceman · 05-24-2022, 09:31 AM

I think you will do better to use a cheater bar on the plug. You might soak the area with something like PB Blaster or like product a couple of days before hand. When you get it out, be sure and use Teflon tape on the threads before reinstalling the anode.

Ken

Old-Biscuit · 05-24-2022, 10:31 AM

After removal.........chase the WH Tank threads

3/4" NPT steel nipple...work it in/out with some cutting oil to clean up & straighten the threads

SantinoDad · 05-24-2022, 09:39 PM

I got the old Anode Rod out today. Purchased a new product from WD40 for penetrating rust and it worked great! Lucky me! Old Anode Rod was toast, doesn't look like previous owner had ever replaced. New rod went in with a little work...should be good to go!

Old-Biscuit · 05-25-2022, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SantinoDad

I got the old Anode Rod out today. Purchased a new product from WD40 for penetrating rust and it worked great! Lucky me! Old Anode Rod was toast, doesn't look like previous owner had ever replaced. New rod went in with a little work...should be good to go!

Glad to hear you got the old rod OUT!!!

Did you clean up the drain hole threads?

Did you wrap the threads on new rod with teflon tape?

*6 point socket/6" extension helps to install them
Due to length and weight of rod the socket/extension give a means to control/install

SuperGewl · 05-31-2022, 06:32 PM

Annual maintenance on the water heater will help prevent stuck anode rods. Pull it out at the end of the season when you drain the water heater. This is just a suggestion for your future ownership.