water heater drain plug

I have replaced my plastic, with brass drain. Just checked EBay and there is one for $8.79. Has center threaded turn drain. Don't have to take plug out to drain. I know RV dealers have them, also. I have had good luck, using them..

DSDP Don wrote:
Okay...I understand being on a budget, but they are only $4.00. Is it worth it to use the wrong component for $4.00.

Here are two for $8 on Amazon.

Drain Plug

They dropped the price to $5.96 right now...lol

WILDEBILL308 wrote:

scout dad wrote:
Hi I have a Attwood w/h and wanting to replace it when I get ready for the season. The plastic plug is starting to round off like they normal do, my question I see these at parts stores and they want bit more money than I think. Are these plugs different in the plastic they used, can I go to Lowe's or ?? and just get a plug in the same size?
Thanks

You are right the plugs are not the best but I would just get a replacement. They come in a two pack so you have a spare. One problem when trying to find a different plug is finding one with the right thread pattern. You don't have to tighten the plastic plugs more than snug. I just use the socket and my hand.
Bill

Good points, I use to carry a cheap stamped steel spark plug wrench behind the WH cover, think it went with the 5er when Ii sold it.

scout dad wrote:
Hi I have a Attwood w/h and wanting to replace it when I get ready for the season. The plastic plug is starting to round off like they normal do, my question I see these at parts stores and they want bit more money than I think. Are these plugs different in the plastic they used, can I go to Lowe's or ?? and just get a plug in the same size?
Thanks

You are right the plugs are not the best but I would just get a replacement. They come in a two pack so you have a spare. One problem when trying to find a different plug is finding one with the right thread pattern. You don't have to tighten the plastic plugs more than snug. I just use the socket and my hand.
Bill

You can use any plastic plug designed for high temp use. You may have to ask to find a high temp one though

Also, Camping world sells a "Drain ****"
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/water-heater-drain-valve/55605

You can wrap the threads with several layes of Teflon tape and it will work too.. Though I'd rather use a plastic device to space, I taped mine, Some years ago, No problems to date.

You may be tightening the plug down too tight and rounding it off. I've been using the same plug that came with the MH when I bought it used 11 years ago. I remove it once per year when I drain the water heater while winterizing the MH.

Dave

I've used ordinary CPVC plugs in Atwood water heaters for years with no problems. I've always kept a spare plug right in the front of the heater, which makes sure I'll never need it unless I put it someplace else and can't find it. ;)

I use a socket (13/16 inch I think) to install and remove the drain plug and it hasn't rounded off in several seasons. Maybe others use something else to cause the rounding.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
They use a1/2" nylon plug due to the drain hole threads being aluminum.
Water normal temp is 140*F and if normal t-stat doesn't shut down heating then temp will rise to 180*F before ECO t-stat (hi temp) shuts heating down.

The nylon plug has max temp rating up to 450*F

PVC max temp rating of 140*F but for threaded material it is rated to 110*F
CPVC max temp rating of 200*F but for threaded material it is rated to 150*F

Which plug do you want in your Water Heater?

Another good type is from "ACETAL" that has a temp rating of 180 IIRC and is colored grey and fittings out of that are often found at trailer supply stores I think. That is what I used to attach my WH drain line to the tank and after about 5 to 6 years all is still O.K.

I think some of the special polyethelene plugs are also high temp, but probably a lot harder to find.

Larry

scout dad wrote:
Hi I have a Attwood w/h and wanting to replace it when I get ready for the season. The plastic plug is starting to round off like they normal do, my question I see these at parts stores and they want bit more money than I think. Are these plugs different in the plastic they used, can I go to Lowe's or ?? and just get a plug in the same size?Thanks

Go to any camping store and/or dealership that has a supply store within. They only cost a couple of bucks AND they are the appropriate plug for RV water heaters. I keep 2 extra packages, 4 plugs in all on board in the MH all the time. If you winterize your RV those plugs do NOT last very long and should be replaced often at the first sign of wear to prevent leaks.