Change anode on a common water heater

1. Remove any stickers on anode rod
2. Turn water heater to "pilot"
3. Turn off cold water inlet valve - clockwise
4. Turn on hot water faucet indoors
5. Connect garden hose to drain valve
6. Open drain valve counter-clockwise and release 2 gallons - 7 minutes
7. Close drain valve and remove hose
8. Move chimney out of way
9. Remove hot water nut
10. Remove anode with pipe wrench: anti-clockwise, then finish by hand. If wrench doesn't work, try breaker bar or impact driver
11. Put heat trap in new anode
12. Put teflon tape on lower threads. Apply in opposite direction to how the anode will turn. Put on four turns. To test: hold tape and spin - tape should stay on.
13. Slide anode into water heater
14. Turn wrong way (counter clockwise) until it sets, then turn clockwise by hand. Continue with wrench then pipe wrench. About 2.5 turns after hand tight
15. Put thread tape on upper threads
16. Connect hot water pipe by hand then another 2 turns with wrench
17. Turn on cold water and watch for leaking. If leaking, tighten hot water nut
18. Replace chimney
19. Turn thermostat up