Atwood water heater

[31dh]

I went to clean the hot water tank and when I took what I thought was the drain plug out but it was an anode .The end of the anode ( plug ) screwed off and the rest of it is stuck in the water heater. Will post some pictures to show what I have tried to do to remove the rod. First I ground the exterior threads off the plug and screwed it back onto the rod but it would not hold, so then I screwed on a coupler & put a plug in the end. Then put a vise grip on the plug & used a small slide hammer , but it will not budge. Also tried taping on the end of the plug to loosen the anode but to no avail.
I found out recently that the anode should not be used in the Atwood water heater. Suggestions on how to get it out would be appreciated.
Glen

[DFord]

I wish I could offer a quick fix for you but you're in a heap of trouble there. Heat loosens a lot of stubborn bolts. Not sure you could get enough in the right place there though. Hopefully, someone else has some good ideas that will work. Lot's of luck and best wishes.

[Old-Biscuit]

The Anode Rod has Swollen and is probably covered in calcium deposits

The Hex Head screwed onto the anode rod and normally the rod would turn with the hex head and come out.
But it is an aftermarket product that fails ......

With the external threads ground off/smooth does the internal threads screw onto the rod and grip?
If YES...can you turn the hex head like you are tightening it and break the rod free?

NO...then you will have to destroy the rod material ....hammer/screw driver ---then try to pick the pieces out
**once broken up large chunks can remain and will dissolve over time (material is Magnesium with a steel center rod which you should be able to grip or it will probably fall inside the tank)

Important that the Tank threads are not damaged.....clean/chase them with a 1/2" NPT brass nipple working it in/out
Then buy/use the OEM NYLON Plug