Pipe wrench
Photo: Jayess / Public domain
A pipe wrench has serrated jaws that bite into round pipe, so it grips fittings that a regular wrench slips on. The videos here use one on a water heater drain valve and anode rod. Set the jaws so they point in the direction you turn, hook them on the pipe, then pull toward the open side of the jaw.
Use two wrenches when you turn a fitting that is attached to a pipe: one holds and the other turns, so you don’t twist the plumbing behind the wall. The teeth mark soft metals, so don’t use it on chrome fixtures or plastic. Shut off the water first; see how to shut off water, power and gas, and flush a water heater.
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