sgtks84
Ohio
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Joined: 02/20/2006
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I am trying to winterize my class c motor home. I cannot get the anode rod out of the hot water heater; it is too tight. Any ideas? When I released the pressure valve a lot of water came out of underneath where my holding tanks are. Do this mean that the water heater is drained?
thanks
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA USA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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No, you will still have water below the level of the cold water line entrance into tank.
Bud
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marvmarcy
Polson, MT, USA
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Not quite sure what happened, but just releasing the pressure valve will not drain the tank. Your anode rod probably has corroded threads. You can spray it with a penetrating oil in hopes it will eventually break loose. I would use a large socket on the rod nut rather than pliers or adjustable wrench. When you replace the anode rod apply anti-seize compound to the treads so if will come out easier next time.
JMHO
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STINGRAYRVMAN
PANAMA CITY
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An impact wrench is needed sometimes, it usually will loosen it without damaging the lining of the tank. You probably have a glass lined tank and using a pair of pliers or some other wrench can cause cracking.
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tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
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it takes a 1 1/16 inch socket to get it out 6 pt would be best , useing teflon tape around the threads will help to keep it from sizeing up and stop any leaks when you replace it, they make thread chasers to clean up any rust in the threads i clean the threads every year befor putting in the rod.
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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One trick that sometimes works is to BUMP the wrench to TIGHTEN the plug by tapping it with a hammer then you may be able to loosen it. Good luck / Skip
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
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curt12914
Northern NY State
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Joined: 03/15/2003
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A couple tricks to try:
1. Use a four way lug wrench (with a 1 1/16" side) to get the anode rod out.
2. If you still have trouble getting it out, turn the water heater on and let it get up to temperature. Turn off the water heater and water pump. Open a hot water faucet (to relieve the water pressure), then try to remove the anode rod. The metal in the tank will expand slightly when hot and will sometimes make removal easier.
As tom_kat said, use teflon tape when reinstalling the anode rod, to eliminate leaks and make removal easier next time.
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