ANoDE

[Ydhtbiotsao]

I tried to replace a 5 year old anode last year. I rented an impact wrench. It wouldn't budge, but I kept trying. Now the head is rounded off quite a bit. I guess I'll just have to get a new water heater in a few years. Or does anyone have any ideas?
But I really wonder why the anode head sits recessed down where stripping it is much more likely! It takes a 1 and 1/16 inch socket, if I remember correctly, which is a good size. Why not have it sit right up there on top - easy to put an open end wrench on it and use a breaker-bar to get it loose? Usually money is the answer, but really - being that obvious - not even deceitful - or more cleverly so? Really - why is it made so hard to get to?

 

[Breplum]

The tank fitting is just a welded FIP adapter, so just a cheap choice from the mfrs I'm guessing. Maybe it is welded shut.
You don't need to go the removal route, there are plenty of articulated rods with nipple, so you don't need to go the hard way of removing that plug at all. https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Flexible-Anode-Nipple-Style/dp/B01LTAUC3O?th=1

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Ydhtbiotsao]

The tank fitting is just a welded FIP adapter, so just a cheap choice from the mfrs I'm guessing. Maybe it is welded shut.
You don't need to go the removal route, there are plenty of articulated rods with nipple, so you don't need to go the hard way of removing that plug at all. https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Flexible-Anode-Nipple-Style/dp/B01LTAUC3O?th=1

Thanks for your reply, but I didn't understand. First of all, the mfrs sent me a free replacement anode for my RHEEM Performance +. I had to ask for it. After quite a bit of research, I did find a way to ask for it. So it would be nice to get the old anode out and use the replacement.

 

[Reach4]

Why not have it sit right up there on top - easy to put an open end wrench on it and use a breaker-bar to get it loose? Usually money is the answer, but really - being that obvious - not even deceitful - or more cleverly so? Really - why is it made so hard to get to?

They used to be easier to get to, but I think they became more recessed when the manufacturers added more insulation. But if your impact socket cannot fully get onto the bolt, then doing surgery with a hot screwdriver to remove the plastic around the steel hole might allow that access.

But if you had had good access from the beginning, you probably would have had a hard time removing the bolt. They tighten those needless hard during manufacture. If you do get the old anode out, don't tighten the new one as much. I think 15 ft-lbs should be plenty.

The tool of choice would be a 6-point socket with minimal chamfer (rounded edge). A 12 point wrench or an open end wrench is more likely to round off the head. I tried to find a suitable socket win no chamfer. You could grind the chamfer off the end of the socket. Don't get the socket too hot. But if the hex head is already rounded off, that little extra that you get without chamfer may not be enough.

Did you understand Breplum's "with nipple"? I think maybe you did, but did not want to buy a new anode with a nipple, when you already have a new anode.

 

[Myhouse]

Too late now, but next time make sure you're using a 6-sided socket, not a 12-sided.

 

[Fitter30]

This socket might work. 1/2 electric impact do have enough as 3/4 has more 1/2 pneumatic with 160lb air has a lot more.

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-22369-1-1-Inch-Socket/dp/B00AXTKGHA/ref=asc_df_B00AXTKGHA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241955516116&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10553572863313248786&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=200619&hvtargid=pla-644018364846&psc=1

 

[Reach4]

I don't weld. But I wonder if somebody could weld a nut onto the top of a rounded anode head, and turn the nut to pull the anode.

 

[Jeff H Young]

Its really a matter of how much time are you willing to put into it. weld a nut on top of the rounded I thgink a bit of a waste of time but Ive seen that trick befor just not on an anode but on rounded off bolts . Breplum made a totaly realistic suggestion another realistic choice is ignore it buy a new heater when this one fails
The nut being recessed isnt a manufacture flaw or cheap way out You gotta have basic hand tools an 1 1/16th socket isnt that bad to use

 

[bingow]

On a different but similar rounded nut problem, I placed a layer of brass shim stock over the nut so that the socket had to be hammered on, then used a 3' cheater pipe. But it sounds like this one is too far gone.