? water heater problem?

[desi arnaz]

i went to put the drain plug and rod back in the water heater today and found there to be something in the way that has fallen down from somewhere.if i jiggle it i can get the rod underneath it, but i wonder what the piece of metal is???

[JackConrad]

By "rod" do you mean the heating element? Just a guess, but maybe the anode that is placed in water heaters to prevent electrolysis? Or maybe the cold water inlet tube to puts the cold wter in to bottom of the tank? Make sure the heating element does not contact any other metal objects in the tank, it will quicky ruin the element. What type and brand heater is it? Jack

[desi arnaz]

it's a propane unit and the anode attaches to the drain plug. when i try to push the anode in it hits a wall right inside the hole.the "wall"can be lifted but it dose not seem right.