Removing anode from hot water tank

[Invizatu]

And of course it goes without saying.... although I will... Lefty loosey / Righty tighty !
All the strength and breaker bars are of no use if your going the wrong direction.

 

[Borntowade]

You are defeating the purpose of the anode by trying to insulate it so well.

I have never used tape or pipe dope and never had a leak.

I do wire wheel the anode nut if I am reusing it and I use a wire brush made for cleaning out the threads in the water heater, followed by a flush of the tank with one of these:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/water-heater-tank-rinser/49070

If you hook a multimeter across it you will find the tape does not destroy the electrical connection at all. The threads cut the tape leaving plenty of contact.

 

[Sumo]

I replaced mine a month ago with the anode that has drain valve built in.

Where did you get the anode with a drain valve? I empty my hot water tank after each use and a drain valve would be super cool.