How to remove Whirpool hot water traps

[jb15426]

I have a Whirlpool Energysmart ES505123-45D 50 gal electric water heater from Lowes. After I installed it I noticed reduced water pressure on both hot & cold water. It has hot water traps on both cold & hot water pipes. My problem is how do I remove the traps and install my own hot water traps? All I can see is threads on both pipes. Do I have to remove the top cover so I can get a wrench around the pipes? And are the traps intregrated into the dip & anode rods?

Thanks

JohnB