If its corroded and enlarged all the way to the bottom you may have to cut it loose. In the tank it will continue being dissolved by the minerals until there’s nothing left. And while that’s happening the new rod will be in place. You can try wrenching it out and probably break off chunk’s of anode.

How do you remove a stubborn anode rod?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Super thick cutting board it's probably 3/8 or maybe half an inch. And I also turned it lengthwise here so that it's applying all of its pressure onto the corner here where I know there's a stud.

How do you remove the anode rod in tight space?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But this all the anode rods are the same 1 and 1 16 inch socket so we have a deep socket going here. So once we find it it's really just a case of just twisting this off and taking it out right.

Can you cut a magnesium anode rod?

Yes, you can cut your sacrificial anode rod, whether it is magnesium or aluminum, to replace it. To do this, use a pair of gloves and a saw and cut as you remove the old anode.

Can I use an impact wrench to remove an anode rod?

To loosen the rod, you’ll need an air compressor, a 1/2-in. -drive impact wrench and a 1-1/16-in. socket. If you don’t have an impact wrench, go buy a cheap one for about $30.

How do I remove a corroded water heater element?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But they're all standard inch and a half. And then you'll need to get it out you need an inch and a half socket. Your first attempt is like mine.

How long will water heater last without anode rod?





The longevity of water heaters without anode rods is about: 5-8 years. The actual lifespan depends on water hardness, water heater type and quality, when the anode rod was removed, and how hot the water is. In extreme cases, the water heater may only last 3-5 years without an anode rod.

Should you use Teflon tape on anode rod?

Teflon tape is safe to use on anode rods to establish a watertight seal, some manufacturers even recommend it. It should not interfere significantly with the electrical contact between rod and tank.

Which is better magnesium or aluminum anode rod?

Magnesium anode rods extend the life of your tank better than aluminum anode rods and offer significant health benefits, making them a much better value despite the higher price tag.

Why does my hot water tank smell like rotten eggs?

The most common odor problem from water heaters is a rotten egg smell that comes out of your faucets and fixtures when running water. This smell is typically caused by sulfate bacteria that can develop within the tank.

Can anode rod causing rotten egg smell?



Many anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum. When these rods corrode, the metals react with the sulfates in the water, turning the sulfate into stinky hydrogen sulfide.

What size is an anode rod nut?

The key here is : Anode Rod – 0.900 in. diameter x 44-3/8 in. long – Magnesium R-Tech. Hex Head Size (in.): 1-1/16, Thread Size – NPT (in.): 3/4.

Is it too late to replace anode rod?

The downside is that if you wait too long to replace the anode rod, it may be too late. If more than five years has passed, it may be too late to save the water heater. Before changing the part, a plumbing professional can drain the water heater to gauge the extent of corrosion inside the tank.

How do I remove a seized immersion heater element?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I've seen tutorials and other sites and they say about getting a dremel in there or drilling the thread and the Chancellor's doing it without damaging the cylinder so Remo. So just pop the wiring.

What size socket is anode rod?

1 1/16-inch

4 Use a ratchet wrench and 1 1/16-inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater.

How do you remove a water heater element without a wrench?

To remove a water heater element without an element wrench, you simply place the 1-1/2 socket over the head of the heating element. Then turn the socket handle to the left. If you need additional torque to loosen a corroded or stubborn element you can use a breaker bar.

Do you have to drain hot water tank to change heating element?



It is possible to change your water heater’s heating element without draining your tank.

Are top and bottom heating elements the same?

Upper and lower heating elements are identical, and the temperature is regulated by the upper and lower thermostat and high limit device.

Can you bypass a water heater element?

Yes, a water heater can still run if the bottom element quits. However, the water heater won’t run efficiently and likely won’t produce enough hot water to satisfy your family’s needs running on just the top element.

Which element heats up first on electric water heater?

top element



Each element has its own thermostat, and only one element runs at a time. The top element turns on first to start the warming process. Once the water in the top half of the tank reaches the set temperature, the top element turns off, and the bottom element turns on to heat the rest of the water.

What happens if you dry fire an electric water heater?

When an empty water heater is powered on, the temperature of the element is raised to a destructive point if there is no cold water for it to react to. A dry-fired element can be damaged to the point of failure in 30 to 45 seconds, or it may last several months and fail.