Hot Water Tank Anode Bolt

I used to use my 1-1/8" socket to remove the anode, thinking it must be metric because the socket was a little sloppy. I finally realized it takes a 1-1/16" socket ($4.00 at Home Depot).
I also learned the hard way to relieve the pressure on the tank before removing the anode. I did this on a old pop up camper I had and luckily I was standing up and didn't have my face down in line with it.......It hit me right in the gut full force..Ouch!! I won't do that again!!!

Durb wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:
I kind of like taking mine out under pressure. I get it almost all the way out and stand to the side and finish unscrewing it. When the water comes out under pressure it sucks all the junk in the tank out with it. I've never flushed mine, just pop the anode under pressure...

The first time I removed mine under pressure made for a wet teachable moment. I figured why would there be pressure as the supply hose is disconnected, wrong. I like the technique though.

I did the same thing the first time. Luckily the water was just warm and not hot.

SidecarFlip wrote:
I kind of like taking mine out under pressure. I get it almost all the way out and stand to the side and finish unscrewing it. When the water comes out under pressure it sucks all the junk in the tank out with it. I've never flushed mine, just pop the anode under pressure...

The first time I removed mine under pressure made for a wet teachable moment. I figured why would there be pressure as the supply hose is disconnected, wrong. I like the technique though.

SidecarFlip wrote:
I kind of like taking mine out under pressure. I get it almost all the way out and stand to the side and finish unscrewing it. When the water comes out under pressure it sucks all the junk in the tank out with it. I've never flushed mine, just pop the anode under pressure...

Flying projectile.......yikes!

Turn water supply off
Relieve pressure on hot water system
Remove drain plug (Atwood/Suburban)

Then turn water supply back on FULL pressure
Power flush W/O the flying projectile

donn0128 wrote:
Inch and a sixteenth

X2

I kind of like taking mine out under pressure. I get it almost all the way out and stand to the side and finish unscrewing it. When the water comes out under pressure it sucks all the junk in the tank out with it. I've never flushed mine, just pop the anode under pressure...

And new anode rods are less than $10 even at the overpriced dealer parts dept. Replace when half gone.

When you go to remove it open your hot water faucet to relieve the pressure off the hot water tank first.

donn0128 wrote:
Inch and a sixteenth

Well, there we have it.... you just answered my question too :)

Mine works with a 1 1/8 socket but it does feel a bit loose. I've always wondered if there is a metric crossover that I should be using.