How to Remove an Anode Rod From an A.O. Smith Water Heater

Find the circuit breaker and turn off the power to the water heater, if you have an electric unit. If you have a gas unit, turn off the gas valve at the bottom of the tank. Find the cold water shut-off valve above the tank and turn it clockwise to stop the water supply to the A.O. Smith water heater.

Turn on the hot water faucet nearest to the water heater. Allow the water to run for five minutes and turn the faucet off. This allows some drainage of the water from the tank.

Locate the hex nut top of the anode rod on the top of the water heater. The anode rod is usually near the two water lines at the top of the unit.

Turn the hex nut top of the anode rod counterclockwise with a 1 1/16-inch socket wrench. If possible, have a friend hold the tank steady as you turn the hex nut. It might be necessary to use a steel tube breaker bar over the handle of your socket wrench for extra leverage.

Continue turning the anode rod until it is completely free from the threads in the tank. Lift the anode rod slowly out of the tank.