Stuck Anode Rod

[zipzoom]

I've been trying to remove the Anode Rod on my water heater for several days but no luck. I've sprayed it with Liquid Wrench for five days (twice a day). I have hammered the bolt. I tried tightening it. I've strapped and chained the heater to the wall and had three large men hold it and then used a heavy duty ratchet wrench and a four foot pipe with the correct socket, no dice. I heated the bolt with a hair dryer to no avail. The heater was full of water while attempting all these methods, but nothing has worked. The only thing I haven't tried is an impact wrench which I don't have nor want to spend over a hundred dollars for a tool I'll only use once. If anyone has some helpful advice I'd greatly appreciate it.
PS. The unit is seven years old (if it matters) and there's a small amount of rust around the bolt.

Thanks

 

[phishfood]

Even in a brand new water heater, the anode rods are a bear to remove. An impact is the best bet.

 

[camaroderrick73]

Or a large breaker bar... I've also used pipe to extend my wrench ... But those anode rods are very tuff to get out... Good luck

 

[havasu]

Any progress on the removal?

 

[chukar]

Have you tried a torch, wet the rest of your insulation so it doesn't catch fire and heat it up with a torch, it's an old trick, that works quite well.

 

[IFIXH20]

I've been trying to remove the Anode Rod on my water heater for several days but no luck. I've sprayed it with Liquid Wrench for five days (twice a day). I have hammered the bolt. I tried tightening it. I've strapped and chained the heater to the wall and had three large men hold it and then used a heavy duty ratchet wrench and a four foot pipe with the correct socket, no dice. I heated the bolt with a hair dryer to no avail. The heater was full of water while attempting all these methods, but nothing has worked. The only thing I haven't tried is an impact wrench which I don't have nor want to spend over a hundred dollars for a tool I'll only use once. If anyone has some helpful advice I'd greatly appreciate it.
PS. The unit is seven years old (if it matters) and there's a small amount of rust around the bolt.

Thanks

If the liquid wrench penetrates the threads you have contaminated the water in the water heater. I am not a fan of putting penetrating oil on anything that comes in direct contact with domestic water.