Note on nipple removal. In the reviews, I found out that some GE factory nipples leaked, causing product returns.
(Some folks found it very difficult to remove factory nipples).
The A7 requires the hot water nipple to be replaced with the special brass T-nipple included in the kit.
My goal was removing both for them. The cold nipple came right out with the pipe wrench.
But, the hot side was stuck solid. I added a 26" extension handle to the wrench. (1" heavy aluminum tube)
But the whole heater turned when I applied force..
So, I placed a 4 foot aluminum tube on top of the heater, laying it in between the cold nipple and the T&P valve. (on it's smooth side).
That allowed me to pull the two aluminum handles together (like scissors), and remove the stuck nipple.