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Old 10-28-2011, 09:01 AM   #1
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Stuck Water Heater Drain Plug

I am in the process of winterizing my Rockwood Minilite 2306 for its first winter hibernation. Unfortunately, the hot water heater drain plug, which has some rust on it, is stuck. I've tried WD40 but it won't budge. Does anyone have any suggestions on how they solved this problem? Thanks in advance for your help.
Greg
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Old 10-28-2011, 09:11 AM   #2
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Half inch drive socket with 6" extension and a straight bar or strong arm
bar. More muscle. Liquid wrench which is much better than wd40 for
loosening rusted parts. Soak the threads with it and let it sit over night.
In an extreme case I've been known to heat the
stuck part with a small LP torch after an application of liquid wrench.
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Old 10-28-2011, 09:13 AM   #3
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Use liquid wrench (it may have to sit a few hours to work in) and CAREFULLY tap on it with a hammer a few times (the impact will help jar it loose). Then rinse and wipe clean.
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Old 10-28-2011, 09:14 AM   #4
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Elbow Grease works well.
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Old 10-28-2011, 09:33 AM   #5
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Thank you, boys. You're a bunch of unrecognized geniuses. I was reluctant to put the torch to the bolt, but that and some elbow grease did the trick. The only problem occured when I loosed the bolt enough so that the heating element came out like a bullet leaves a gun. No worries, though. Thanks again, and now you'll have to excuse while I go sew back on a limb where the element hit my arm.
Greg
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Old 10-28-2011, 09:44 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gkconfer View Post
The only problem occured when I loosed the bolt enough so that the heating element came out like a bullet leaves a gun.
Greg, I hope you did not get injured too bad.

There should not be a heating element on the drain plug. Hopefully what you are seeing is the anode rod.

This should be an important reminder to all. Relieve the pressure before pulling the drain plug. Flip the pop-off valve to do that, or run the hot water faucets (before using the water heater bypass) to relieve the pressure.
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Old 10-28-2011, 10:29 AM   #7
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Yeah, I forgot to release the pressure this year and soaked myself good!
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