Anode rod replacement force

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

I use a 1/2" drive impact wrench and socket. Heating it will do nothing. May in fact make it worse because it's going to expand the plug even more.

10 year old anode rod

its best to leave it alone....

their are certain limitations to the amount of
torque you should apply to one of these

you can literally twist and move the water heater before the nut ever gives loose...
or you will just round off the edjes of the nut...

I do the same thing as NH Master...
In fact how do you think they install them at the factory?

anode

You may need a 48" extension on the wrench, but after 10 years the metal around the tapping could be weakened and you could cause a leak.

dikshe said:

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

Click to expand...

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.