Easy Water Heater Drain cock removal.

[danly]

Need Ideas on removing broken drain cock on water heater. Threads OK severely corroded with scale.

[calamus]

I put a 1/2 brass nipple and a FIP X Garden hose thead adapt then just a brass cap with a rubber washer no different that unscrewing a garden hose you can even put a bit of anti seize on the thread no tool required then.

[Captain_Obvious]

I have always wondered the same thing. I hate having to use a pair of pliers to mangle the plug out. In my internet searching, I came across this: Camco 11633 Water Heater Drain Plug and Wrench Kit

Looks interesting, but some of the reviews leave me skeptical.

[John_Joey]

danly wrote:
Its a brass fitting with a drain cock on it, which is stripped.

Without seeing what you got, I'll make a few statements hoping they will help.

First, that is not a standard setup and I would discard it. If it is an atwood I would go back to a plastic plug, or if suburban then a zinc rod.

Second, brass doesn't corrode so I'm guessing it's the petcock that is steel and a mess. If that is the case leave the petcock alone and just pull the brass plug and throw the whole thing away. Go back to the OEM for your hot water heater.

[westend]

danly wrote:
Its a brass fitting with a drain cock on it, which is stripped.

Does the fitting have six sides? Use a deep well socket. If the fitting is round, use a basin wrench. If both of those don't work, you'll need to drill and use an easy out or tap threads and use a threaded fastener. Heat may be a good friend, heating the fitting with a torch will release the rust between the two metals.

[fischer]

Go to the auto parts store and buy a easy out tool

[danly]

Its a brass fitting with a drain cock on it, which is stripped.

[martipr]

When you get it out you might want to consider this

[bob213]

If it's the plastic plug you can drill a hole in it and use a sprinkler nipple removal tool to turn it out.

[Golden_HVAC]

Dick_B wrote:
Once out replace it with the usual plastic (pvc?) plug with teflon tape on the threads. The Heater tank should be flushed out at least once per year which requires the removal of the plug and use of a `wand' to be effective.

I agree with only using plastic replacement plug. Also make SURE That you do not overtighten the plug.

I turn mine in hand tight, with two layers of teflon tape, and then snug it with a wrench only about 1/2 turn. This makes it easy to remove. If it drips, then tighten another 1/2 turn just until it stops. Remember you are only trying to hold back 40 PSI, and should be using a pressure regulator on the RV plumbing system.

Fred.

[Dick_B]

Once out replace it with the usual plastic (pvc?) plug with teflon tape on the threads. The Heater tank should be flushed out at least once per year which requires the removal of the plug and use of a `wand' to be effective.

[midnightsadie]

take wide blade screw driver heat and push in , some times you just take a sharp chisel and break it out ,be careful don,t hit the threads.when puting new one in rap threads with teflon tape and don,t over tighten.

[Road_Runners]

Is the drain plug broken or is it just stuck and won't come out? If it is stuck and won't come out it will usually break loose if you use a long handled breaker bar. I have a length of pipe that fits over my ratchet handle. Works every time.