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1.Must the rod be removed to completely drain the tank, or does opening the outside drain valve completely drain the tank?
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I don't believe it is ever necessary to remove the anode rod except to check and replace it. The cold water inlet to the heater, where draining takes place, is as low or lower than the anode rod opening. As outlined in the Owners Manual that came with your TM (please read!), draining is accomplished by opening the outside drain valves (4 of them) and opening the hot water faucet in the kitchen sink, to release the vacuum. You really don't want to remove the anode rod when the tank is full - you'll get water everywhere, including places it probably shouldn't go.
The tank itself is shaped more or less like a barrel lying on its side. If the normal drain procedure leaves a tiny amount of water inside on the curved side of the barrel, it has plenty of room to expand as it freezes.
Bill