12 georetown, don't know brand heater but drain plug will NOT come out. Have put diff. stuff on it for 3 days, hopeing to get it to brake free..Can see that it is rusted and has had tape put around it. But can NOT get it to come off. I can add a piece of pipe to socket but what are the changes that it would mess up the tank befor it would brake loose? thanks for any help.

If it is rusted, it would be a Suburban water heater which is a steel glass lined tank. Get proper sized six point socket, six inch extension, breaker bar ans a cheater about three feet long.This is an anode for the tank. It will a a composite probe inside the tank. You may need need anode. They should be checked at least every year or to be safer every six months depending on water.

If you have an Atwood water heater they are supposed to be the nylon plug that will not corrode. They are cheap to replace but some people go and buy a metal one. They will always corrode in place.

One trick that I have used successfully is to TIGHTEN the plug first THEN back it out. Sometimes it takes an impact to break it loose. In other words "get that bigger hammer" and go the wrong way first :)One good way to prevent them rusting in is to make sure the plug is left IN when in storage. Some folks leave the plug out thinking the tank will dry (which it doesn't need to do and the result is the threads rust.

And/or tap on it with a hammer but the hammer drill should do it.

operate the unit to temperature, then try cracking the plug before it comes down to ambient temperature. dont do anything more than crack the initial freezing that is keeping the plug in, requiring you to use abnormal initial torque to break free, then let cool and shut off pump, and drain pressure from heater, and then remove plug...good luck

water heater plug | Good Sam Community

Lobstah
Explorer
Nov 10, 2013
I don't think it's been determined...OP never stated, so all the follow-on replies were responding to "IF it is an Atwood"...which it may not be.

Jim
tiffinboy
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
Lobstah wrote:
vegasfoodguy wrote:
tiffinboy wrote:
vegasfoodguy wrote:
Ramair wrote:
when you install a new plug put a few rounds of Teflon tape on the threads, this will help in future removal.

Get the nylon plug.

Terry

he has a anode insert which is also the plug

Don't use Anode rod in Atwood, I believe i read it in owners manual.

Terry.

Correct. Atwood's don't use anodes, and in fact, they cause problems because they will seize up and you won't be able to get them out.

Jim

How was it or where is it posted that determined he has a attwood and not a suburban?? I just kind of assumed suburban because of the meatal plug idea.I know the difference between suburban and Attwood and speculated its a suburban just as u speculate its a attwood
Lobstah
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
vegasfoodguy wrote:
tiffinboy wrote:
vegasfoodguy wrote:
Ramair wrote:
when you install a new plug put a few rounds of Teflon tape on the threads, this will help in future removal.

Get the nylon plug.

Terry

he has a anode insert which is also the plug

Don't use Anode rod in Atwood, I believe i read it in owners manual.

Terry.

Correct. Atwood's don't use anodes, and in fact, they cause problems because they will seize up and you won't be able to get them out.

Jim
mscamping
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
I just open the faucet and drain or flush, which ever I need to do.. The faucet I have has hose threads on it, so I put the short gray hose on it so it doesn't run down the side of the coach.. Mike Mathews..
vegasfoodguy
Explorer II
Nov 08, 2013
tiffinboy wrote:
vegasfoodguy wrote:
Ramair wrote:
when you install a new plug put a few rounds of Teflon tape on the threads, this will help in future removal.

Get the nylon plug.

Terry

he has a anode insert which is also the plug

Don't use Anode rod in Atwood, I believe i read it in owners manual.

Terry.
haddy1
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
Born To Travel wrote:
I replaced my Atwood nylon drain plug with a brass radiator drain valve I bought at the hardware store.. Just turn by hand and drain hot water tank without tools.. Also makes winterizing easier.

So how do you flush out the tank?
Born_To_Travel
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
I replaced my Atwood nylon drain plug with a brass radiator drain valve I bought at the hardware store.. Just turn by hand and drain hot water tank without tools.. Also makes winterizing easier.
tiffinboy
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
vegasfoodguy wrote:
Ramair wrote:
when you install a new plug put a few rounds of Teflon tape on the threads, this will help in future removal.

Get the nylon plug.

Terry

he has a anode insert which is also the plug
Lobstah
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
wolfe10 wrote:
Actually, I use 2 1/4 wraps of teflon tape on the Atwood nylon plug as well as on the anode rods for Suburban water heaters.

Thought I read somewhere that Atwood recommends NOT putting any tape on the nylon plug, and to ONLY use a nylon plug in their hot water units.

Can't find it right now, but I'm sure I came across that somewhere.

Jim
wolfe10
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
Actually, I use 2 1/4 wraps of teflon tape on the Atwood nylon plug as well as on the anode rods for Suburban water heaters.

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