I have a Bradford White 50 gallon, electric, water heater. I want to replace the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum rod. The Bradford White website says this may eliminate the rotten-eggs odor created when the magnesium anode rod interacts with sulfur and bacteria in the tank and generates enough hydrogen to create an odor.

The anode rod and outlet pipe are a combined pipe, i.e., the anode rod is not a separate rod screwed into the top of the tank.

The question is how do I remove and install this combined pipe? There is only fitting threads visible above the top of the tank. I could use a pipe wrench to remove the mag rod; the damaged threads wouldn't be a problem since I could discard the rod. But, to install the new rod I'd need to put the wrench on the new threads. And that is a problem. Is there a unique tool or technique to use?

 

A large pair of channel locks will do the trick.

Use teflon tape and pipe dope when you install the new one. Take as tight as you can get it with channel locks.