Nipple type anode stuck in tank

[B548437]

I have a hot water pressure issue in my house. The entire house is effected so I know it's at the tank. I suspected sediment buildup on the outlet side of the tank. I was able to get the Nipple unscrewed from the tank(after a lot of persuasion) but I believe that it has a Nipple type anode rod, it seems that the build up on the rod is preventing me from removing the rod from the tank. One of the attached pictures is a new nipple type anode rod, the other is mine. As you can see there is a lot of corrosion.. what your seeing is the bottom of the threads of the nipple free and clear and the top portion of the rod. But I can't get it out. It wiggles and twists around freely.
Any suggestions on how to remove it so that I can replace it?
[COLOR=var(--color-a-default)] https://preview.redd.it/hot-water-t...bp&s=f07a4357a1006cd2021ecf6e5f15893b1297055c[/COLOR]
[COLOR=var(--color-a-default)] https://preview.redd.it/hot-water-t...bp&s=6d68c21b7d4d90d99b714b032945d2a80a8c5a02[/COLOR]

Further info... This is a gas unit. No pressure reducing valve. Hot water pressure is about 1/2 of the pressure as cold.
The nipple is completely un-threaded... it comes out about 1/2-3/4" beyond the threads. When I wiggle and twist the nipple you can hear/feel the anode rod moving around freely in the tank.
Tank is less than 10 years old in new built home. No heating issues whatsoever.





Is the white part of the nipple anode plastic? I used heat when removing. Is it possible that i have deformed the plastic and that's why it won't come out?

 

[Reach4]

I have no helpful suggestion on the WH. I did not have good results trying to use an internal pipe wrench, although somebody might be able to recommend one that works better than what I tried.

I would suggest that a water softener or other treatment may be very useful for after the repair is made. If you have your own well, get a lab water test. If city water, ask about the hardness... They might offer "average hardness" but max hardness is more useful for planning. Give them a call. Hardness info is not usually published routinely, because it is not a health issue.

 

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[B548437]

The threads are un-done.

I think when I heated the nipple with a propane torch to take it apart I melted the plastic lining and/or the top part of the anode and deformed the plastic and now it won't fit through the hole.

Do you think I could just torch it again to soften/melt the plastic while continuing to wiggle and pull up on the nipple?

 

[Fitter30]

Probably is loaded with mineral deposits. Could pull the.relief valve to see the buildup on it.

 

[B548437]

I have put it back together as is for now as I need hot water. My pressure is even worse now.

I'm looking for a way to get it out. So that it can be replaced.

If it's plastic, can I re-heat?

If it's just mineral deposits then what?

I won't take it apart again without a solid suggestion on how I can get it out?

I have seen in other threads of similar situations suggesting cutting it off and letting it fall into the tank. Is that an option? What if I cut it off and it won't push all the way in??

 

[Fitter30]

Try 3/4" pipe coupling then make a tee handle with nipples and a tee so you can pull the turn the anode rod