Winterizing Atwood Water Heater

BluegrassBill wrote:
My Atwood drain plug is 7/8". I use a 6" wobbler extention socket and Ratchet. I also siphon out the last quart or so of water in the bottom of the tank. When draining open the pressure relief valve. The use of Teflon plumbing tape helps keep the plug from seizing, Apply at start of camping season.

Yes older models used the 7/8"

Newer models use 15/16"

Same 1/2" NPT threads for drain hole

Thanks Old-Biscuit, that explains why mine has a 7/8 head and people keep saying you need a 15/16.

To the OP, as others have said just drain the tank and flip the bypass to winterize it. When you put it back in just put it in finger tight, but as tight as you can do it. I've done that for 10 years and never had a leak. It also makes it really easy to get the plug out again to drain the tank.

rockhillmanor wrote:
AND do yourself a favor and go out and buy a couple replacement drain plugs to keep on board the RV you'll be needing them.

Those cheap plastic plugs cross thread and the head easily gets stripped from taking it out.

The plugs don't "cross thread" -- People cross thread them.

In ten years of trailing and draining the heater several times a year. I have never had a problem with my plug.
All that it takes is a little bit of care and not tightening it too tight. Just taught

Jack L

Reinstall the plug. Not only will it keep bugs out but will also help prevent the threads from rusting. I like the plastic plug because if I ever cross thread one, it will be the plastic plug that gets damaged.

You do not have to get every last drop of water out of the heater. Any water left will have plenty of space to expand when the first freeze comes.

Of course plugs don't cross thread themselves. They just lay there until someone does something with them. So, just be cautious when starting to screw it into the heater. Keeping a couple extras is always a good idea.

Looked up how to winterize on the Atwood site. Step 4 under winterizing states:

"Leave the Drain Plug out and close the Pressure Temperature Relieve Valve. The approximately two quarts of water remaining in the tank after draining will not cause damage to the tank should freezing occur."

They also state to flush the water heater with water or air.