Hot water tank drain plug

[morley]

Hi everyone, hope that all is well with each of you out there.
Due to some emergency brain surgery a month ago, our camping season sadly has come to an abrupt end.
We are in the process of cleaning out and winterizing the 5er for winter storage. While I was draining the hot water tank, I got to thinking there must be a better way than having to remove this hard to get at plastic plug ever year to drain the tank.
I thought that I had heard of some types of plugs with a flexible pipe on them and a valve at the end that can just be opened and the tank drained without removing the plastic plug.
Any one have or seen or know if such a thing exists?
Won’t need it this year. But years into the future if my health allows and we can continue RVing we would like to use this type of arrangement at seasons end.

[Traver8]

I found a replacement nylon plug for my Atwood at Tractor Supply for a VERY reasonable price - under $2 if I remember correctly.

[bob213]

The plug on your water heater is made of nylon for a reason(galvanic corrosion). Don't change that. If you change anything make sure the connection to the tank is still nylon or the metal your tank is made of.

[Michelle_S]

The issue with any type of drain fitting is the junk buildup in the tank will plug that small hole. Part of draining is it gives you the chance to flush the **** out of the tank to help prolong it's life.
You could take that cheap plastic plug to a plumbing store and get a metal plug and when installing use teflon tape.

[capacitor]

What make is your water heater? If it is a Suburban, the drain plug is the anode rod and is not plastic. If so, someone has messed with it. Get an anode rod and a 1 1/16” socket and do it right. You will damage the tank without one,
If it is an Atwood, then a drain with 1/4 turn valve may work.

[Lwiddis]

The larger plastic plug provides more complete drainage IMO. I agree with enblethen…proper socket…easy to do.

[enblethen]

Some people have used a stainless flexible supply pipe, a 1/2 inch nipple into tank and a 1/4 turn ball valve.
Drain plugs are easy to get out with proper sized socket on an extension.

[Mfan]

Google hot water drain plug. Take your pick