How to remove corroded water heater nipple?

[g20zoom]

6 year old Rudd heater. Was bought at a plumbing supply house . I’m bummed the nipple is already corroded and almost ready to blow. I see external cracks.

suggestions on how to remove? What about those Husky internal pipe removal tools?
In your experience, what are my chances ? I would hope I can save this water heater since it’s not that old and I have a spare anode rod will replace too.

Thanks in advance! I’m just worried it might crumple on me with partial threads stuck.

 

[Terry]

It may unthread with a pipe wrench, and if not, then you can try the "easyout" or inside wrenches. There should be a plastic liner inside that pipe nipple.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

This is an alternate interpretation of your photo.

6 year old Rudd heater. Was bought at a plumbing supply house . I’m bummed the nipple is already corroded and almost ready to blow. I see external cracks.

I am wondering if there was not a very slow leak at the gasket of the flex connector. That leak slowly dried, and left a deposit. Then the the leak stopped, and the deposit cracked.

Is there a pan under the WH? Maybe putting the sensor of a water alarm in the pan would give you warning if a leak develops. I am not a pro.