Winterizing Atwood Water Heater

You don't winterize water heater. Drain it, then turn on the water heater bypass. Then you can winterize the camper.

facory wrote:
The manufacturer installed a water heater bypass kit. The heater has a plastic drain plug that is hard to get to. I'm thinking that has to be removed to drain the heater.

Bypass the water heater and remove the plastic plug. Leave the plug out for the winter, you can just leave it in the water heater compartment so it doesn't get lost.

What size socket will I need for the drain plug?

sremsing wrote:
You don't winterize water heater. Drain it, then turn on the water heater bypass. Then you can winterize the plumbing.

The process described above is the method of winterizing a water heater.

AND do yourself a favor and go out and buy a couple replacement drain plugs to keep on board the RV you'll be needing them.

Those cheap plastic plugs cross thread and the head easily gets stripped from taking it out.

Close any valves going into/out off water heater tank (Cold/Hot ----backside of tank)
Open 'Bypass' Valve

Open T&P Relief valve .........
Remove Nylon Drain plug (15/16" Six Point Socket)

Drain/flush tank. Close T&P Relief and hand install Nylon plug
(The quart of water left in bottom of tank will NOT cause issues)

No anode rod because of Atwood's aluminum clad alloy tank
Aftermarket sells them for Atwood....don't buy/use. Waste of money/gimmick

Where do you buy replacement plugs?

facory wrote:
Where do you buy replacement plugs?

Any RV Parts Store
VIA Internet


Atwood 91857 ....... 2 drain plugs per package $7-$8

Bought it.

Thanks

My Atwood drain plug is 7/8". I use a 6" wobbler extention socket and Ratchet. I also siphon out the last quart or so of water in the bottom of the tank. When draining open the pressure relief valve. The use of Teflon plumbing tape helps keep the plug from seizing, Apply at start of camping season.