Atwood Motor Products Water Heater Plastic Drain Plug?

[oldryder]

what size is the Water Heater Plastic Drain Plug? none of my sockets quite fit, probably because it's a bit chewed up from using pliers so I'd replace it if I can find where to get it.

thx to anyone taking the time to offer advice.

 

[Kirk]

The Atwood water heater has a 1/2" drain plug and requires a 15/16" socket to remove it. They recommend replacing them each time that they are removed as they can break. I used to replace mine every year or two. You can get them from Amazon or from most home supply stores.

 

[RRR]

Save some coin. I get some stuff from them often.

Atwood Water Heater 1/2 Inch Drain Plug Kit, 2 Pack, 91857

Atwood Water Heater 1/2 Inch Drain Plug Kit, 2 Pack, 91857

pdxrvwholesale.com

 

[Kirk]

How much is shipping? I have also gotten them from Lowe's or Home Depot.

 

[oldryder]

THx. got a few on order.

 

[blw2]

a little late to the conversation, it seems, but I'll toss this out there anyway... I recently replaced mine with this valve

Amazon.com

it's only been installed maybe 1-1/2 months but so far so good???

 

[Ray-IN]

blw2; you might find this galvanic action chart interesting, it states SST and aluminum contact is not recommended.

FWIW, I bought a sprinkler system head removal tool to remove the nylon threads when the nylon plug breaks. Makes the task easy.

 

[Rene T]

blw2; you might find this galvanic action chart interesting, it states SST and aluminum contact is not recommended.

If I read the chart right, it’s not recommended for type 410 SS. Other types SS the chances of reaction is slightly higher. Maybe a heavy layer of Teflon tape will slow down any reaction.

That tool is a handy tool to keep on hand and it’s cheap

 

[Gertcha]

I replaced the plastic plug for a NPT brass plug, which cost me about $4 and lasts a lifetime. I've had it installed for about 5 years and haven't had any issues

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

A brass valve is a relatively low risk substitute for the nylon plug, but why have any risk at all? Atwood chose to use a nylon plug for a technical reason (no galvanic corrosion). It's not just because its cheaper. Besides, if you don't damage the nylon plug using pliers or an ill-fitting wrench, it should last a decade.

 

[Kirk]

it's only been installed maybe 1-1/2 months but so far so good???

With the Atwood aluminum tank you will have galvanic corrosion and in a year or two, you probably won't be able to remove it at all. Vendors will sell you most anything but that doesn't mean that it is a good idea.

Besides, if you don't damage the nylon plug using pliers or an ill-fitting wrench, it should last a decade.

After having had an Atwood water heater drain plug get brittle and break off when it was being removed, I went back to replacing mine every 2 years or if it showed any damage at all. They are not expensive, and removing the threaded part once the head has broken off was a real learning experience. I spend most of two days getting the remaining part of that broken plug out, without damaging the tank threads.

 

[NY_Dutch]

Common CPVC plugs make a suitable substitute for the more expensive Atwood plugs. I bought two for about a dollar 5 or 6 years ago, and I'm still using the first one. I keep the second one inside the water heater door as insurance that I won't need it.

 

[House Husband]

Interesting that galvanic action is an issue but Atwood screwed a brass TP valve into the aluminum.

Richard

 

[Kirk]

a little late to the conversation, it seems, but I'll toss this out there anyway... I recently replaced mine with this valve
Amazon.com

Atwood screwed a brass TP valve into the aluminum.

From Amazon description of the valve:

• QUALITY | An all-metal, stainless steel construction means this valve is rust resistant and long lasting

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Interesting that galvanic action is an issue but Atwood screwed a brass TP valve into the aluminum.

Richard

I've often thought that ironic as well. But a nylon PT valve would have other drawbacks, whereas a nylon drain plug has very few.

 

[Old Mud]

I use these . And have been using them for many years. (one every 2 seasons)



RV Water Heater Aluminum/Zinc Anode Rod for Atwood Heaters, Eau 2 Pack 1/2" NPT RV Hot Water Tank Anode Rod for RV, Camper and Trailer Water Heaters

Sold by: dalekay





$13.97


Buy it again

 

[gwinger]

A brass valve is a relatively low risk substitute for the nylon plug, but why have any risk at all? Atwood chose to use a nylon plug for a technical reason (no galvanic corrosion). It's not just because its cheaper. Besides, if you don't damage the nylon plug using pliers or an ill-fitting wrench, it should last a decade.

And only use a 6 point socket. A 12 point will destroy the plug.

 

[Rene T]

I use these . And have been using them for many years. (one every 2 seasons)



RV Water Heater Aluminum/Zinc Anode Rod for Atwood Heaters, Eau 2 Pack 1/2" NPT RV Hot Water Tank Anode Rod for RV, Camper and Trailer Water Heaters

Sold by: dalekay





$13.97


Buy it again

These are anode rods for a Suburban water heater. Atwood/Dometic do not use them

 

[Ray-IN]

I use these . And have been using them for many years. (one every 2 seasons)



RV Water Heater Aluminum/Zinc Anode Rod for Atwood Heaters, Eau 2 Pack 1/2" NPT RV Hot Water Tank Anode Rod for RV, Camper and Trailer Water Heaters

Sold by: dalekay





$13.97


Buy it again

Rene T is right. Ya' think that seller knows what this rod fits? Look at what else they sell: Amazon.com : Eau

Atwood, now owned by Dometic uses an anodized aluminum tank that does not corrode as long as the interior surface coating is not damaged.

 

[Old Mud]

Is this so in a 1997 unit ?