Atwood water heater drain plug

[96GeorgieBoy]

Does anyone have a suggestion on getting a drain plug out of an Atwood water heater that's been broken off?

The head of the drain plug has been broken but the threads are still inside the hole where it goes.

[flywithcoop]

Originally Posted by 96GeorgieBoy

Does anyone have a suggestion on getting a drain plug out of an Atwood water heater that's been broken off?

The head of the drain plug has been broken but the threads are still inside the hole where it goes.

A very large pipe nipple extraction tool is needed. They are like a screw extraction tool only larger. They are sold at plumbing supply stores. you need one for either 1/2 or 3/4 inch pipe. Home Depot or Lowes might have them. Obviously the drain plug threads are rusted so use some type of lubricant/rust penetrant to soak the rusted screw threads before attempting to remove.

[JoeSR]

If it is like my Atwood heater, it is a nylon plug or similar material.

Would heating up a large flat blade screw driver (or similar chunk of metal), pushing it into the plug, allow it to cool and then back the plug out work???

New plugs are sold as pairs. Try it first on the spare plug.

[littlebob]

Take a hack saw blade and cut throuh the threds in 2 places and then you can pull it out. It does not hurt the water heater , when you put in the new plug use plenty of sealing tape.
Bob

[96GeorgieBoy]

Thanks all. I was just surprised to see this broke off considers its nylon.

[cbeierl]

I've also heard recommendations to use a sprinkler head extractor tool, like this: 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. Plastic Nipple Extractor

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by JoeSR

If it is like my Atwood heater, it is a nylon plug or similar material.

Would heating up a large flat blade screw driver (or similar chunk of metal), pushing it into the plug, allow it to cool and then back the plug out work???

New plugs are sold as pairs. Try it first on the spare plug.

THIS ^^^^^^^^

Works great. HOT screw driver blade pushes into end of plug easily and makes a perfect slot.

Nylon is used because Atwood WH Tank (and drain hole threads) are aluminum. 1/2" NPT threads.
And due to higher temp rating (400*F) vs PVC/CPVC plugs (200*F or less)

Older plugs had 7/8" hex heads
Newer plugs are 15/16" hex heads

After you remove broken plug dress up the drain hole threads using a brass 6" nipple 1/2" NPT.
Just screw it in back/forth cleaning up the threads

New nylon plug should not need and sealant tape due to tapered threads.
(Unless threads are damaged)

Hand-tighten then snug up with socket. Fill and check for any leakage when water has been heated.
If leakage...tighten just a bit more-----------over-tightening is what causes heads to break off

[LPD218]

I used a wooden dowel and a serrated knife to shave the end. Knocked it into the hole in the plug and turned out the broken plug.

Here are pictures. Cheap too!

[airshot]

Originally Posted by LPD218

I used a wooden dowel and a serrated knife to shave the end. Knocked it into the hole in the plug and turned out the broken plug.

Here are pictures. Cheap too!

Smart move !!

[Duoglide1]

Any hardware store will sell a removal tool for lawn sprinkler risers. Usually set up for 1/2 and 3/4 pvc risers and not expensive. I bought one last month after knocking over the water softener and breaking a plastic connection off.