Atwood WH Drain Plug

[Mikesr]

Anyone know for sure what size socket fits the Atwood drain plug ? New to Atwood have always had Suburban before with the anode rod.
Atwood plug is plastic, does it need replaced often ? Does it need Teflon tape? Are the replacement plugs that have drains built in worth it or is it just as easy to remove the plastic plug?

Thanks

[Mikesr]

Thanks for all the good responses to my question. Looks like it will be 7/8 6 point. The TT is currently upstate at a seasonal site and I want to blow out the lines to prevent what may be a mid October below freezing temperatures in northern Pennsylvania. I just want to make sure I have all the right tools and parts along. I Plan to winterize the unit in the conventional manner in mid November. We plan to use it 2 more times before Thanksgiving. I plan to get some extra plugs and look into the more permanent drain for these late season drains. Thanks again.

[Old-Biscuit]

LinkedXJ wrote:

GrandpaKip wrote:
Mine was 7/8. I replaced it with a butterfly valve that makes it much easier to drain.

Bingo!


Do this!

Butterfly drain / Petcock

Do you remove valve and flush crud out of tank?

[LinkedXJ]

GrandpaKip wrote:
Mine was 7/8. I replaced it with a butterfly valve that makes it much easier to drain.

Bingo!


Do this!

Butterfly drain / Petcock

[tnrv_er]

I used Teflon tape on it.

[GrandpaKip]

Mine was 7/8. I replaced it with a butterfly valve that makes it much easier to drain.

[tatest]

After 10+ years, I've replaced the original plug with a new one of the same material. The old one was starting to feel brittle. Replacement plugs of different plastics might not have the same life.

I've always used a short handle adjustable wrench, find I can get it into the space more easily than a socket and I have a better feel for just how tight I am getting the plug. I remove the plug to drain the tank each time I put the RV into storage.

I've used no tape, the plug is tapered and seals well when tightened properly.

[NanciL]

My Atwood is 7/8"

Don't use any Teflon tape.

Mine now is six years old and I have never had a problem with it.
Just snug it up and don't over tighten it.

Jack L

[enblethen]

15/16 six point is the best.
Using a six point socket saves the corners so the plug lasts longer.

[Old-Biscuit]

msb1766 wrote:
Mine is 27mm

That would be for a Suburban WH.....1 1/16"

[msb1766]

Mine is 27mm

[Old-Biscuit]

Atwood used 2 different size plugs (drain hole is 1/2")

One plug used a 7/8" socket and other plug uses 15/16" socket

Plugs are nylon tapered thread so teflon tape is not needed but can be used
Plug threads do become damaged but come 2 to pak when purchased. Nylon is used due to WH tank being aluminum. Nylon is also used due to it's temp rating

And with the drain hole size it is hard enough getting crud flushed out when draining/rinsing tank. Screw a plug in with built in drain you just make drain hole size even smaller.


I turn off water supply, pressure on HOT water system, remove drain plug and then turn water supply back on and let it blast out thru drain hole. This helps remove crud from bottom of water heater.