Replacing anode rod, what can go wrong?

I'm planning on replacing the anode rod in my water heater. The heater was installed in late 2005, so it’s about six years old. I’ll probably attempt to break loose the old anode rod before buying a new one. The plan is then to tighten it up afterwards, order the new one and easily loosen it up and install the new one. If I have the new one on hand first, it won’t open (murphy’s law). Other than physically moving the heater and twisting/breaking gas and water pipes, is there any risk to anything breaking by doing this? Any chance that’ll be stuck with a leaky waterheater or something?

Thanks,
Jason

Unless you drain the water heater, which you do NOT have to do, the heater is NOT going to move so none of the pipes will be disturbed. The worst thing that could happen would be for the weld holding the threaded buss in place could crack, and then you would have to replace the heater.

Not sure what you have for tools but I can tell you that you need a big socket and a big breaker bar and probably someone to hold onto the tank also. They are a bear to get out. If you have access to an impact wrench, that's your best bet.

Definitely use an impact wrench. be sure you have overhead clearance to get it out.

http://fierychill.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=anode

http://www.inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Hot_Water.htm

And if it has turned to "jelly" try not scrape it off into the tank when you pull the rod.

Thank you.