On Feb 13, 3:56�pm, "Pop`" wrote:
George wrote:
(7-yr old 40-gal gas heater)

Our hot water got suddenly very 'rusty' two days ago. *Cold water is
clear. *I flushed the tank several times, and it still comes out
dirty. The company says to replace the anode rod. *The question is,
how?

It's threaded into the top of the tank. *I've soaked around the head
with PB Blaster, but I doubt that's getting to the threads. *Right
now, I'm using a 1/2" breaker bar with an extension pipe, and getting
nothing. *I'm reluctant to use heat (acetylene), because, while *the
insulation doesn't sustain combustion, it does sort of burn a little.

Any experience/suggestions would be appreciated. *In particular, would
it be OK to use heat?

Thanks,
George

Keep pouring the Liquid Wrench to it, and tapping it gently all around the
connection. *Do so periodically for a full day if you can. *Let it set
overnight, tap it some more, and try to loosen it. *The tapping helps the
oil penetrate into the rust. *Careful of high heat (torch) when you've got
oil all over it.

Keep an eye on it whenever using an extender; you could twist the whole
thing loose. *If you see the whole union move, stop!

If you can get wrenches onto it, one to loosen, the other to hold the base
still, then you could put a puller or clamp on it to squeeze them together
to loosen it. *Watch out it doesn't break, though.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

For the cost of a new tank I would just replace it! At minimum BE
PREPARED to replace!

Take a new tank installed for 500 bucks averages 10 year life, whats
50 bucks a year? one nice candy bar a week....

Less if you DIY.

Your better off with a larger tank with higher BTUs so you dont run
out of hot water!

50 gallon 75,000 BTU way better than a 40 gallon 34,000 BTU tank.

as others pointed out, replacing the anode will NOT get rid of the
rust, its just wasting your time

Besides check that if you get the old anode lose it will clear the
cieling of the space its in........

anodfe rod likey 5 feet long and just 3 foot between top of tank and
cieling