Forum Discussion

tyaughton's avatar
tyaughton
Explorer
Nov 18, 2013

can't get the anode out to winterize the h/w tank

We have a brand new Suburban water heater in our unit, installed in September. Time to winterize now and I can't get the anode out to drain the tank. Is there another way? Also can anyone confirm the socket size to use? I measured (twice) but 27mm still seems just slightly not snug enough. The guy that installed it must be Hercules, I can't get that puppy to budge at all.
Class A
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 20, 2013
    There is no need to replace an anode rod until 75% of the sacrificial material has dissolved



    There is a steel rod that the sacrificial material is attached to. Doing its job......material dissolves protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion.

    The aluminum material can have calcium deposits on it from water source.

    Just wire brush it off and reinstall.....good to go.
  • tyaughton's avatar
    tyaughton
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2013
    Well, it's out. Stuck a pipe on the end of the wrench for extra leverage. I'm surprised at the amount of corrosion on the anode, seeing as it was only installed in September, and we've only used the tank a couple of times since the install. Husband has suggested a few spares would be a good idea, and I tend to agree.
  • tyaughton's avatar
    tyaughton
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2013
    Still hasn't come off, but haven't tried too hard today (other things required my attention) I have some teflon paste and some never seize, might try that, if/when I get the nut loose.
  • Ray_IN's avatar
    Ray_IN
    Explorer II
    Nov 18, 2013
    Teflon tape is usually cut by the threads, resulting in metal-on-metal threads, which results in your dilemma. I prefer to use plumbers paste-type, non-hardening, thread sealer. Sure it's old-school,messy if over-applied, and works every time.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 18, 2013
    I would just try to tighten and then loosen or use a 'soak'.

    I just have a problem with the use of impact wrenches or pounding on it with a hammer.
    Suburban WH tanks are glass-lined steel tanks and hate to bust up that glass-lining.

    Now Atwood is an aluminum alloy tank so pounding wouldn't hurt but with a nylon plug no pounding necessary.
  • OhhWell's avatar
    OhhWell
    Explorer
    Nov 18, 2013
    If you don't have an impact wrench, you can pound on the end of a normal wrench with a hammer for a while and eventually it will break free.... most of the time.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Nov 18, 2013
    Couldn't get mine out rather. Sprayed it with WD40. Waited a day. Came right out
  • Road_Runners's avatar
    Road_Runners
    Explorer
    Nov 18, 2013
    You can do it. These things always are hard to unscrew. A socket with a breaker bar will do the trick. Works for me every time.

About Motorhome Group

38,707 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 05, 2014