Anode Rod Threads Only Visible

[Dizzywallin212]

Hello all, how does one remove an anode rod from a water heater when the threads are only visible? A pipe wrench will more then likely crush the nipple. The water heater is a Bradford White.

 

[Reach4]

Put a 5/8 inch bolt, IIRC, into the hole before using the pipe wrench.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Dizzywallin212]

I'm just afraid I may not be able to loosing it and if I destroy the threads, I'm out of luck. Didn't know if there was a better way. I've heard about inserting a filler rod and using lock nuts but I'm not fully aware of the technique behind it.

 

[Reach4]

There is something called an internal pipe wrench. My one effort at using one did not work, but others have good results.

 

[John Gayewski]

I guess I'm not familiar with an anode that is pipe. Can you post a picture? The anodes ive delt with are a solid hex nut with anode built onto it.

 

[Reach4]

I guess I'm not familiar with an anode that is pipe. Can you post a picture? The anodes ive delt with are a solid hex nut with anode built onto it.

Many A.O. Smith and Bradford White tanks have the anode combined with the hot nipple.

 

[Dizzywallin212]

Would either of these work?

 

[John Gayewski]

Would either of these work?

It depends on how stuck it is. They work up to a certain point and then they don't.

 

[Dizzywallin212]

It depends on how stuck it is. They work up to a certain point and then they don't.

Well I haven't tried it yet so idk if it is stuck but I've heard they torque them down pretty tight from the factory.

 

[Dizzywallin212]

Well I couldn't get the 3/4 inside the nipple so I tried the 1/2 which went in and once turned, it locked but would give when I put enough pressure on it with a crescent wrench. Guess I'm look into a filler rod, which seems like it will be the next best course.