Hi guys ,
To install a unitrol shall I leave the wrapped plastice on probe or just take it out and toss it ?
What kind of wrench shall I use , a grip vise is possible
Thanks for a quick answer

They make special tools for removing and installing a gas valve. Leave the plastic on the tube that goes into the water heater it is there for a reason.

I used a 1/2" threaded nipple about 8" long to screw into the gas inlet to thread out the valve!

The valve is pot metal or aluminum. Never use a piece of pipe threaded into the gas fitting as a lever to break a gas valve loose. Always use the proper tools.

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Originally Posted by hvac1000

The valve is pot metal or aluminum. Never use a piece of pipe threaded into the gas fitting as a lever to break a gas valve loose. Always use the proper tools.

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According to my Water Heater manufactor, that is exactly how to do it! Yes it does work, I just fixed mine yesterday. Most people don't have specialty tools and have to improvise. With gentle persuasion it works quite well.

The valve you are taking out is going to be junked anyway!

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Originally Posted by texascat2

According to my Water Heater manufactor, that is exactly how to do it! Yes it does work, I just fixed mine yesterday. Most people don't have specialty tools and have to improvise. With gentle persuasion it works quite well.

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Please post the instructions the manufacturer has that you are referring to. Also many people find out that after removing the old gas valve it is not the problem to start with and they have to reinstall it. This is especially true on the newer units with electronic controls. Most people do not have the correct tools to test the valve and they guess it is defective. Unless you know for sure about any part you do not take the risk of damage when removing.

This site was recommended to me by my manufactor. As my heater is in a closet using a large pipe wrench was not feasible. My manufactor service center diagnosed my faulty valve for me. This method did absolutely NO damage to the old valve.

Standard Gas Water Heaters - Replacing the Gas Valve Model BFG

I watched the video, and it seems easy to remove the thermostat valve this way. More over, it advices not to use other methods, which one may think are better, like using a pipe wrench in the part where the thread is, if accesible.
If the valve is too tight please keep in mind the general repair principle: never force anything as it can damage the part, but what is worse: is a frequent cause of personal injury.
Other general principles:

• never apply an uncontrolled force:

• never use levers in a position that can hit you if they loose of the part where they are inserted, and

• If you got into a bad mood STOP, relax, then continue