Water Heater Drain Plug Tool

[JC2]

Other than buying a drain plug with a petcock, isn't there a special type tool for removing the drain plug of an Atwood WH. I know I've seen something like this but can't remember where. The crescent wrench/regular socket approach doesn't want to fit very well in the area provided.

[JC2]

Other than buying a drain plug with a petcock, isn't there a special type tool for removing the drain plug of an Atwood WH. I know I've seen something like this but can't remember where. The crescent wrench/regular socket approach doesn't want to fit very well in the area provided.

[GaryKD]

Hi JC,
Any plumbing, Lowes or Home Depot store should have the wrench. As you have found out what is needed is a thin wall socket. What you should find is a thin walled socket with a rod through two holes at right angles to the socket.

You need this tool. Even with an after market drain plug, the anode rog is in this hole and it needs replacing as part of routine maintenance.

[JC2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GaryKD:
Hi JC,
Any plumbing, Lowes or Home Depot store should have the wrench. As you have found out what is needed is a thin wall socket. What you should find is a thin walled socket with a rod through two holes at right angles to the socket.

You need this tool. Even with an after market drain plug, the anode rog is in this hole and it needs replacing as part of routine maintenance. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Found a 7/8 thin wall socket today and put it on a pivotable 3/8 in ratchet and it worked great. We drain our water heater if we won't be using the rig for a week or longer. Keeps the water from getting stinky......

[rclarke]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">the anode rog is in this hole and it needs replacing as part of routine maintenance. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Atwood water heaters don't have an anode rod and should not have one installed.

[John Hilley]

I've found the Craftsman stubby 7/8" combination wrench to be the perfect tool for removing this plug.