[JohnMD]

All,

Before my neighbor and I got the anode rod out, I was starting to have many visions of horrible outcomes. I am glad we got it out before reading these replies, or I would have really started to sweat! Anyway, the old rod was in really bad shape...more than half gone. I suppose keeping the threads from seizing is another good reason to check/replace it yearly, rather than letting it sit for several years.

John