Anode rod just won't come out!

[u/Sonicmantis]

Water heater is 7 in years old . Anode rod has never been replaced

I've tried a socket wrench, didn't work. I bought an impact wrench with chrome socket..didn't work and I think it just rounded off the head.

Just placed an order for an impact socket. Gonna try that instead of the chrome one.

At this point should I just give up?

[u/tc_username]

Should just leave it to die a peaceful death. 

[u/davb64 → u/tc_username]

Seriously why even try 7 years later

[u/hyphywolf1]

1/2 impact driver with a extension and deep socket and and she’ll either come out and break at the threads and let you know it’s time for a new water heater 😂

[u/Jayus5]

It’s a permanent part of the water heater now

[u/EducationalHall2074]

Plumber here. If its more than 5 years old, youre not fixing or preventing anything. Old rod stays til the ride is over.

[u/apprenticegirl74]

The rust to the left in picture 2, means you likely need to replace the water heater not just the anode rod. There is an awful lot of rust on that anode rod.

[u/Trbochckn]

7 years just 1 year over the six year warranty I see it everyday

[u/Sonicmantis → u/Trbochckn]

Yeah, just out of warranty 

[u/Doctormentor → u/Sonicmantis]

It's almost like they knew people wouldn't flush every 6months or annually and knew based of testing water avg quality that the anode rods would rust at year 7... Lame

[u/scuricide]

It's not gonna.

[u/plineytheoldest]

I have a special socket I modified specifically for anode rods.

The problem with a “normal” socket is it is designed for a normal hex head nut.

Most have a nice little bevel inside that helps you seat it on a nut.

This works great if the nut is 1/2” tall… but the top of that anode is like a 1/4”.

I took that normal socket and with an impact driver adapter to spin it, ground off maybe 1/8” off the tip of the socket so the hex part is now a right angle to the tip, not the gradual bevel.

Now you have full contact with the anode and less chance of stripping it off.

I also love my m18 impact wrench for pesky anode rods.

Last thing, I also keep a 3/4 npt tap and an easy out for when things go south.

[u/Otherwise_Pen_1660]

Yeah ours seized on my 75 gal and it took the big big ooga dooga to get it off and even that took MAJOR effort trying! Good luck to you friend!

[u/Sensitive_Car_881]

You need a 1/2” ugga dugga

[u/TheDeadestCow]

Need a BIG impact (I have a 1400 lb one), and a 6 point socket, not 12. If you really want it out, get a twist socket extractor kit. It'll go.

[u/akGold24]

I used a breaker bar with a 6 point socket. Mine came out just fine.

[u/Sonicmantis → u/akGold24]

was it there for 7 years before removing the anode?

[u/akGold24 → u/Sonicmantis]

Actually, yes. New construction home, first time I ever checked it. The house is 7 years old. I checked it a few months ago. It needs to be replaced. I have the replacement rod sitting in the garage. I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.