Originally Posted by dikshe
I've never replaced the anode rod on my 10 yr old water heater. I replaced the dip tube - that was easy but the anode rod won't budge with a 24" breaker bar applied to it. I'm wondering if too much force could rupture the tank. for 2 weeks I've spayed penetrating oil on the threads but it's still stuck. So 2 questions:
Can I safely apply heat with a propane touch to the threads ?
Can I rupture the tank by applying too much force using the breaker bar ?
thanks
Ok - according to the serial number on my water heater it is really 13 yrs old. I successfully replaced the dip tube - and after 3 weeks of applying liquid wrench the anode nut finally broke loose. Only about an 1/8" rod maybe 15" was all that was left of the original anode rod.
So I installed the new anode rod - it was magnesium - is this the correct type of material for my region ? I live in Westminster Colorado and my water comes from a high country stream which fills a local resevoir.
The magnesium rod cost me $ 25 - the plumbing supply place was out of alumimun.
If the water heater dies in the next few years - remind me to remove the anode rod for use in my next water heater. Am I beginning to think like a plumber ?
I've never replaced the anode rod on my 10 yr old water heater. I replaced the dip tube - that was easy but the anode rod won't budge with a 24" breaker bar applied to it. I'm wondering if too much force could rupture the tank. for 2 weeks I've spayed penetrating oil on the threads but it's still stuck. So 2 questions:
Can I safely apply heat with a propane touch to the threads ?
Can I rupture the tank by applying too much force using the breaker bar ?
thanks
Ok - according to the serial number on my water heater it is really 13 yrs old. I successfully replaced the dip tube - and after 3 weeks of applying liquid wrench the anode nut finally broke loose. Only about an 1/8" rod maybe 15" was all that was left of the original anode rod.
So I installed the new anode rod - it was magnesium - is this the correct type of material for my region ? I live in Westminster Colorado and my water comes from a high country stream which fills a local resevoir.
The magnesium rod cost me $ 25 - the plumbing supply place was out of alumimun.
If the water heater dies in the next few years - remind me to remove the anode rod for use in my next water heater. Am I beginning to think like a plumber ?