Community Forums

Sober Rider · 07-07-2018, 08:05 AM

Found a minor water leak at the supply side of the water heater last week. It was dripping from the lower fitting in the rear of the hot water heater. The close nipple was cracked and that is where it was dripping from. I used the bypass, drained the tank and removed the supply line. When I went remove the plastic close nipple it snapped of flush with the inlet pipe. OF course it was cracked but now I cannot get it out. I have used an easy out and got it to bite, but cannot get the last of the fitting out. I am trying to not have to pull the entire tank out to replace the fitting. Of course it is not in an easy access area under the sink. Any suggestions?

Chuck Q · 07-07-2018, 08:41 AM

Had the same problem, finally had to take it out and have a machine shop clean up the threads. 6 hours my time and $20 shop time. 2006 $$$

andy29847 · 07-07-2018, 08:51 AM

My water heater was in the pass through storage area so I could lay in there and work. I used a skinning knife, close quarters hacksaw, hammer, and screw driver to to get it out. It was 100° that day.

c Use bronze fittings when you repair.

FredV · 07-08-2018, 08:02 PM

You might want to try splitting the piece into 2 or 3 pieces and then using a pick or small flat blade screw driver to remove the pieces.Mine was leaking at the same place.I was able to get the connector pipe out but found the threads so badly corroded that I had to install a new connector pipe with JB weld suitable for PVC. I know eventually I will have to replace the tank.

Almost There · 07-09-2018, 02:15 PM

Would something like either of these work?
https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=...act=mrc&uact=8 or
https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=...act=mrc&uact=8

Another thought.
If you got a rat tail file (triangular shape), pushed it in so it dige into plastic left in threads and used a pair of pliers.
That has worked for me before on another type of fitting that was broken flush.
Good luck.