Removing Anode Rods for a Bock Water Heater
There is one way to get anode rods out of the water heater, hard physical brute force.
As the years pass it’s harder to remove anode rods, especially from oil fired water heaters. Oil fired water heaters produce maximum hot water output compared to all other water heaters and for this reason the threads holding anode rod in the tank lock iron tight over time. Depending on how “hard” you water and the number of years, the threads basically fuse together. Trying to remove a fused anode rod from a tank is impossible without ripping it from the tank and destroying the tank in the process.
Ideally, replacing out the anode rods is done within the first 3 years of original installation and every 3 years there after. After the 5th year past the original installation date, forget about removing anode rods- it’s too late, especially if you home is on well water.
If you want an anode rod replacement for you oil fired water heater, we are not interested in the job if the tanks installation date was longer than 5 years ago.
It’s down right impossible to remove the anode rods without damaging the tank. Taring the anode rod from the tank = total tank destruction in the tank and we’re not risking that. (and neither should you)
Our Anode Rod Replacement Procedure.
First, we drain a small amount of water from the heater after shutting off its electricity and cold water supply. Don’t drain the water to below the T & P valve, as the water’s weight will help keep the tank from moving while you work on loosing the rods.
Bock Water Heaters suggests using a 1/2″ drive breaker bar with a 1 1/6″ socket. The breaker bar is preferable to a ratchet wrench, as it’s longer and won’t slip. If the anodes haven’t been removed for some time, a “plumber’s helper” (a pipe 1″ in diameter and 3′ long) fitted over the handle of the breaker bar will work every time.
Before trying to loosen the anode rods, use a rust devolving spay on them – WD40 works nicely. If you’re pressed for time, a product called “PB Blaster” (available at most automotive stores) works the best.
Old vs New
Before trying to loosen the rods, lift the vent piping from the heater flue outlet just far enough to expose two large holes in the flue. These holes will accept a 3/4″ solid bar about 3′ to 4′ long, which will be used as a lever to help break the anodes loose.
Some contractors who normally replace anode rods during their annual service of customers’ water heaters are using electric impact drills.
After removing the old rods, we drain and flush the tank. Before installing the new rods, we fill the tank at least three-quarters full to help in tightening down the new rods. And never use Teflon tape on the rods, as it acts as an insulator and makes them useless. If you see Teflon tape on the water heaters nipples, and no pipe dope, the installer doesn’t know water heaters. Pipe dope or pipe sealant is the only way to go.
Linked Anode Rods
We stock linked anode rods for the most common oil fired water heater models. The linked designed anode rod are easier to install, by eliminating any ceiling height issues. These Bock replacement anode rods also expensively than the full-length anode rods.
Lastly, we always using a bit of anti-seize compound on the rod threads before putting them back in will make it easy to fully tighten the parts and makes it much easier to get them out the next time.
To schedule an appointment for your Anode Rod replacement for your water heater, give us a call. 203.376.5208 / mr.waterheaters@yahoo.com
