Ed Pawlowski wrote:
"Salmon Egg" wrote in message
While I do believe that a new anode could greatly extend life. As was
mentioned removal could be difficult. I once tried to remove an anode
from a used up heater. I was totally unsuccessful. I would be even
less ready now even if the heater were not in a confined space.

You'd really be PO'd to pull the anode rod, find it is only about
half gone, but the water heater is now damaged from the removal and
has to be replaced.

How exactly is the water heater damaged?

How many have you damaged doing this?