Water Heater Drain Plug Leak

rvskipper · 04-08-2007, 12:31 PM

The nylon drain plug on my water heater seeps.
I tightened it up. No luck.
I am going to replace the plug tomorrow.
Any other ideas?

cbeierl · 04-08-2007, 03:30 PM

I would recommend some teflon plumbers tape wrapped around the threads of the plug.

**Route 66** · 04-08-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

I would recommend some teflon plumbers tape wrapped around the threads of the plug.

That's exactly what I did. No more leak.

Pusherman · 04-08-2007, 04:11 PM

I too use teflon tape each time I reinstall the drain plug for the hot water heater.

AFChap · 04-08-2007, 04:43 PM

Just had this discussion on another list! Teflon tape can help, but won't always do the trick depending on how old the plug is. I carry extra plugs. They come in packs of 2. The plug yellows and hardens with age/exposure to the hot water, and will eventually fail. I (and others) have had the head of the plug crack off. I stuck a sharp knife into the broken off threads and turned them out. Now I just replace the plug annually or so when I do one of my regular flush routines. A fellow owner/friend was told by Winnebago factory service center not to replace the nylon plug with a brass pulg because the nylon plug is a safety feature designed to melt/blow out if the thermostat fails and overheats the water. I don't know about that for sure, but it is easy to carry an extra plug or two and to replace it annually or so.

Wizard · 04-08-2007, 04:44 PM

If you do replace it, use a nylon plug not PVC. PVC is not rated for hot water. I would still use the teflon tape on either. Just an old plummer talking.

Cousin Ed · 04-09-2007, 05:01 AM

Camping world has a sacrificing rod that replaces the plug and it has a built in drain. Protect the water heater and make winterizing easier....win; win for about $13.

SeeTheUSA · 04-09-2007, 05:11 AM

Has anyone replaced the nylon plug with one of those brass ones that has a petcock for draining?

smlranger · 04-09-2007, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SeeTheUSA:
Has anyone replaced the nylon plug with one of those brass ones that has a petcock for draining?

I did. Used 1/2" brass close nipple, elbow, then 1/2" brass ball valve (had to use the elbow to get the door closed). Works fine.

AFChap · 04-09-2007, 09:26 AM

Quote:

sacrificing rod that replaces the plug and it has a built in drain. Protect the water heater and make winterizing easier

...and make flushing much more difficult.

I know many do use anode rods, but Atwood WH tanks do not need them like differently constructed tanks do. If you do use a metal plug, be sure to use teflon tape on the threads, and you need to remove it at least once a year to ensure it does not freeze in place due to reaction of the different metals. That rather defeats the purpose of a plug with a built in drain, but protecting the tank should be more important than convenience in draining.

george henry · 04-09-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AFChap:
Just had this discussion on another list! Teflon tape can help, but won't always do the trick depending on how old the plug is. I carry extra plugs. They come in packs of 2. The plug yellows and hardens with age/exposure to the hot water, and will eventually fail. I (and others) have had the head of the plug crack off. I stuck a sharp knife into the broken off threads and turned them out. Now I just replace the plug annually or so when I do one of my regular flush routines. A fellow owner/friend was told by Winnebago factory service center not to replace the nylon plug with a brass pulg because the nylon plug is a safety feature designed to melt/blow out if the thermostat fails and overheats the water. I don't know about that for sure, but it is easy to carry an extra plug or two and to replace it annually or so.

Great idea , now I will buy a couple of new nylon plugs to have in case. Never though about it blowing out for safewty reason if the thermostat sticks. thanks great info.

scirocco22 · 02-28-2009, 03:59 PM

Can anybody tell me the proper size socket for the drain plug? I'm guessing 22mm or even 7/8"?

Thanks.

DavidC1225 · 03-01-2009, 02:15 AM

My nylon plug developed a leak and I replaced it with a brass plug that had a petcock. No more leaks and I don't have to remove the plug to drain the tank.