Annode Rod Removal - need help!!

[dickandcol]

Hi, I am trying to remove the annode rod from the top of my water heater and it does not want to move! I started with a half inch Rachet, then went to a strong bar being very careful not to pull too hard, next move is a breaker bar but my common sense said STOP Ask someone! The water heater is almost new , came with our new condo. I am trying to remove it because or a bad smell "Rotten Eggs" and pour a gallon of bleach in the tank to fush the hot water system in our new condo then replace the old rod with a new special rod . This is what the Rheem Techs suggest to do!!
Can I break anything if I put too much pressure on the Annode Rod??
I had a plumber tell me he use's a 3/4 inch drive to remove them and has never broken anything but his Knuckles ? Does this sound rite??
Any Opinions will be appreciated!!!
Thank's, Dick R

 

[Jimbo]

Impact wrench is often the answer. A four ft. breaker bar helps, but you need Mighty Joe Young to hold on the the water heater so it doesn't spin.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[NHmaster]

I've run across some that were so damn tight you couldn't hold the tank from spinning without damaging the piping or nipples. That's when I bought a 1/2" electric impact wrench.

 

[Redwood]

I use a 1/2" electric impact wrench also...

 

[hj]

anode

Since it is a new heater you should not damage it removing the anode, regardess of whether you use a 4' breaker bar or an impact wrench. Older heaters can have a weld break from the "vibration" of an impact wrench.

 

[Jay Mpls]

Sounds as though your place was vacant for some time.I havehad some luck with just flushing them out.Just run the water for quite a while.As stated above,an impact will do fine.

 

[dickandcol]

Than You!!

Hi, everyone. Thank's for your help! I finally removed the rod with a 1/2 " air gun. I then flushed the tank with bleach,drained and refilled with clean water then drained again, and presto!! NO SMELL in my hot water. I am ordering a special rod from Rheem, R-Tech rod . no telling how long this will last but I have my fingers crossed!! so far so good.
Thank's again, Dick R