SteveB wrote:
"Ed Pawlowski" wrote in message
...

"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.

Always listen to your gut, Eggie. I'd be reluctant to pull it, as
right now it doesn't leak, but you don't know it's condition. You
pull it, but booger a thread or something, and the anode is still in
decent shape, now you have to replace. I agree with Ed.

How on earth are you going to "booger a thread"? These are pipe threads. Not
exactly fragile things.