Atwood water heater drain plug tightening

[Missionstreet]

Please correct me if I'm wrong anywhere.

So I've got some "OEM" atwood plugs for my water heater that appear to be without any taper (I've read this is apparently normal for what I'm told these are -- "soft" nylon).

Several wraps of PTFE tape and I'm tightening with no felt change in resistance.
Besides a leak or damaged plug, is there any way the tank could be damaged? Got about 30% thread left exposed on plug.

[JimK-NY]

Start by checking the threads on the tank. You can pick them clean with something soft like a toothpick. Vinegar also helps remove any scale. I bought new OEM nylon plugs but still need to wrap with 2 or 3 turns of thin thread tape. When my plug is tightened there are no exposed threads and little or no gap between the tank and the end of the plug.

[craig7h]

I could be way off base with this but! I do believe the tank fitting itself is tapered not the plug.

I have also found that the feel is different using the nylon plug vs. the anode rode system in Suburban heaters.

I wrape my nylon plug with the tape and just snug it up, no leaks so far.

[steveh27]

I've never wrapped PTFE tape on it.