Forum Discussion

way2roll's avatar
way2roll
Navigator II
Oct 12, 2021

My water heater drain plug is metal, is that a problem?

All former RV's I have had came with a plastic hot water drain plug. My new one is metal and it's rusting. I am going to drain it for the winter and wondering if I shouldn't replace it with a plastic one. Might even go further and get one with a valve built in. Thoughts?
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Oct 13, 2021
    I use the Teflon thread sealant by Permatex in the squeeze tube. Can’t remember last time I used the tape.

    I am on the same anode for five full time years still looks great. I pull it and flush out the tank once a year.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Oct 12, 2021
    what brand water heater? I believe all Atwoods use plastic with no anode and Suburban uses metal with an anode.
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Oct 12, 2021
    Dick_B wrote:
    Might want to consider replacing the anode rod yearly with threads wrapped with teflon tape even tho the rod itself has plenty of life in it if it truly is rusting.


    It was installed with plenty of pipe tape but yes, better safe than sorry.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2021
    Might want to consider replacing the anode rod yearly with threads wrapped with teflon tape even tho the rod itself has plenty of life in it if it truly is rusting.
  • pinesman's avatar
    pinesman
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2021
    Of the ones that I have seen, Atwood usually has a smaller plastic plug but Suburban has a larger metal one with an anode rod attached
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Oct 12, 2021
    High probability, it is also the anode...you don't want to replace the anode with a plastic plug.

    Something will corrode and if there is no anode, it's the tank.

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