so we are getting the MH ready for our trip after storing it for 3 years.... and open the outside door to the water heater. saw the gungky old drain plug sitting there - loose.when we put the new one in do we need any fixative or Teflon tape etc?and should we run water through the drain hole first?thanks allPS the drain hole itself looks very black and yucky.cleaning suggestions? we don't wish to replace itthanks

Depends of what type of water heater you have. A suburban should have an anode rod type plug and Teflon tape works great on those threads. An Atwood water heater doesn't use an anode rod and use a plastic/pvc type plug that can also benefit from Teflon tape but doesn't always require it.Flush out the heater and use a wire brush on the threads of hole to get rid of the gunk. I put a piece of tubing on the end of a nozzle and shove it up into the heater to flush it out.

I would flush the tank out good, clean the threads up with a tap, use a bit of anti-corrosion on the threads, put it back in and go. Teflon tap isn't a bad idea, but if you clean the threads up you should be good. Just check it for leakage after the tank has been filled .

YES...flush the water heater tank.I like to turn on water supply and give water heater a blast out thru drain hole. Then I'll hook up a 'wand' to a garden hose, stick wand in thru drain hole and blast up/down/around. If you have an Atwood pickup a 1/2" NPT pipe nipple.....screw it into drain hole to clean up threads (screw it in a little then back out then in more then back out). Nipple is a cheap 'tap'If you have a Suburban use a 3/4" NPT nipple.And install a new anode rod.I would use a couple wraps of teflon tape on drain plug.Install finger tight THEN tighten with socket 3/4---1 turn and check for leaking. No need to crank them down/overtighten----just makes it harder to remove next time and can damage the threads which are tapered.

atwood water heater - it has a plastic plug"clean the threads up with a tap" please explain to us less handy folks!thanks

The idea behind one of theseis that it reaches inside the heater tank and flush stuff loose while leaving room at the plug hole for the stuff to escape.Search "rv water heater wand" in Amazon.

water heater drain plug | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

anon125
Explorer
Oct 05, 2014
bob213 wrote:
Try this link for photo uploads

RV Net photo upload

this worked for me.
thanks very much
westend
Explorer
Sep 30, 2014
Tried posting your "Dinnertime for dogs" .jpg a couple of different ways. If I copy and paste the image in a new browser window, it appears but doesn't work on this website.
bob213
Explorer
Sep 30, 2014
Try this link for photo uploads

RV Net photo upload
anon125
Explorer
Sep 30, 2014
photo did not show on my win 7 IE11 computer. other pics on the forum have shown
thanks
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Sep 29, 2014
I have not had the best of luck but to post photos you are supposed to be able to go to this link:
Post Photo Link
http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/201045551/Forums/PhotoUpload/RV.NET-Photo-Upload.html

And upload them there, then get the url for the photo and link it in.

I have my own dropbox account and .... well here is a sample photo.

Dogs Dinner

But even then I can not get the IMG to post, (May be wrong type)
anon125
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
can you recommend a website to put the images? it does not like my 4shared one!
thanks
j-d
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2014
You have to upload the picture, probably as .JPG, to a website. Can be a photo site, or a personal one. Then go to "Advanced Post Form" and use the yellow postcard-looking icon to pull in the "Properties" of your pic on the photo site.
Steps'd be
1. Open a Topic or Reply here at RV.net
2. Go to Photo Site, select Properties and Edit/Copy
3. Back to RV.net
4. Select that Photo Icon
5. Edit/Paste those Properties
6. Click "Preview" in that Advanced Post Form and you should see your Photo
anon125
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
Thanks all for your excellent advice.
how do you guys get pictures on the forum. all I ever get is a redX !
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2014
for light cleanup jobs on that hole I have cut the handle off the appropriate size brush for cleaning the inside of copper tubing.

I stick it in my drill and it will clean the light stuff out of the threads real easy.

If badly corroded it is time for clean up with the tap.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Sep 29, 2014
Dutch_12078 wrote:
CPVC plugs that will withstand the 140 deg F heat are readily available at most hardware/home improvement stores for $0.50 or less. I've used them on Atwood heaters for years.

True CVPC can handle 140*F but shouldn't be subjected to temperatures over 200*F.

Normal t-stat on Atwood is pre-set for 140*F, ECO (high temp t-stat) is pre-set for 180*F but the Press/Temp Relief valve is set to open at 210*F/150 psi

That's why Atwood uses Nylon for drain plug.......good for temps up to 210*F and won't melt until temps reach 420*F.

Yes under 'normal' circumstances the CVPC plug will work....just don't use a PVC plug. They are only good for temperatures UP TO 140*F