I have two 13 year old 50 gallon hot water heaters. One started leaking, so it needs to be replaced. Thankfully I have a second one, so I have hot water. I was never told about regular maintenance of annual draining and replacing anode rod. Now that one has gone, I asked the plumber to replace the anode rod. Plumber says that at this age it is better not to touch it, because just trying to remove the existing anode rod can cause everything to break.
Is he right? What is the best plan of action at this point?