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10-18-2013, 11:35 AM
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#1
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Guest
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 273
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Draining Water Heater-Question
I understand how to drain my water heater (winterizing next weekend), but my question is:
I know the plug is VERY tight, I'm getting a socket to use (1 1/16", correct?) How hard can I crank in that thing? I Don't wish to damage my tank, but it needs to be drained of course.
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10-18-2013, 11:41 AM
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#2
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,891
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I can't answer the "how hard" question as mine was pretty easy the first time and then I wrapped tape around the threads when I re-installed it.
But- you're right about the 1 1/16" socket. I'll also recommend at least a 3" socket extension. I had to be really careful about not scratching my camper the first time that I took mine out.
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Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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10-18-2013, 11:43 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Stromsburg, Nebraska
Posts: 1,682
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I ended up using a 18v, 3/8 "
Dewalt impact. Worked fine. I made sure to use tape when i reinstalled
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Joel and Teresa
2016 Sabre 34TBOK
2006 GMC 3500 CC LB DRW 4X4
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10-18-2013, 03:53 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: central PA
Posts: 978
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnIII
I understand how to drain my water heater (winterizing next weekend), but my question is:
I know the plug is VERY tight, I'm getting a socket to use (1 1/16", correct?) How hard can I crank in that thing? I Don't wish to damage my tank, but it needs to be drained of course.
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look at it this way, you HAVE to get the drain out or risk the water freezing and rupturing the tank. So, if you damage the tank in the process of removing the plug, it was gonna need replaced in the spring anyway.
Mine was very hard the first time. As stated previously use Teflon tape.
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10-18-2013, 04:47 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 710
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I just replaced my hot water heater anode on a 7 month old 5er. Just like ependydad stated, I used a 3" extension and had to really reef on the wrench in order to turn it. I have to say that you're probably going to have to really put some muscle into it and don't forget to tape the threads when you reinsert it.
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Heartland Big Country 3150RL
2013 Ford SD F250 4x4 SC; 6.2
Reese 18K Elite w/slider - Rockford, Michigan
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10-18-2013, 05:16 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Posts: 3,225
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I believe the factory uses pipe dope on the threads. The stuff holds hard but when you break the bond free, it will spin out with ease.
crunchman
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2017 Salem Villa Estate 395RET-
2011 Coachmen Freedom Express 295RLDS- Sold
2015 F-250 FX4
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10-19-2013, 11:23 AM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Overland Park, KS
Posts: 73
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Mine was a real bearcat to remove. Had to soak it with Liquid Wrench to finally get it loose.
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Acsimon
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (5.8 Hemi)
2013 Flagstaff Micro Lite 21FB
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10-19-2013, 11:44 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crunchman12001
I believe the factory uses pipe dope on the threads. The stuff holds hard but when you break the bond free, it will spin out with ease.
crunchman
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That is the way mine was done and it is just a 3/4 plastic plug because I have no anode.
I have some pipe dope that I will use in the spring, till then I just put the plug in a couple of turns by hand.
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2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
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10-19-2013, 12:34 PM
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#9
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Site Team - Lou
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,269
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crunchman12001
I believe the factory uses pipe dope on the threads. The stuff holds hard but when you break the bond free, it will spin out with ease.
crunchman
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This was my experience as well. I found you do not have to tighten the anode all that much when you install it. Just snug enough that it will not leak under pressure. Next year it will come out easy as pie... 
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Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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10-19-2013, 02:03 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Northern Minnesota
Posts: 254
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Through my PDI the tech had removed the anode and let the water drain. Then wrapped the threads with tape and reinstalled. Came out easy the other day when I winterized.
Oh, by the way Herk. Putting the corner of a shop paper towel into the drain hole and letting it siphon all of the water out of the heater works awesome. Great tip!
To others, just kind of twist the corner of a "heavy" paper towel into the drain hole, get it far enough to sag to the bottom, then hang the rest over your hanging heater door and walk away for awhile. Do not remove until the towel stops dripping.
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2016 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab XLT EcoBoost
2012 Salem Cruise Lite 221RBXL, Andersen No Sway WDH, (2) Honda EU2000i's
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10-19-2013, 02:15 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake County, Illinois
Posts: 301
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If you can't get it started, apply some pressure on the wrench and rap on the wrench several times with a hammer. The vibrations will often loosen it up. If you have someone else to hammer while you hold the wrench, it will be easier.
If all else fails, you can rent an impact wrench.
Joel
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2011 Silverado 2500HD Duramax, 4x4, crew cab, long bed
Palomino Puma 253-FBS, 27' 5th wheel
1994 19' Class B on Chevy chassis
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10-25-2013, 05:03 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 5
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1 & 1/16" socket with 1/2 drive combined with a 12" braker bar and a piece of Pipe as a cheater bar and lean on it. Comes right out. And the Anoide was completely gone on my 2012 Georgetown. So much for the water in Los Angeles. Hard as a rock. Using softwater from now on in my fresh water tank. All the rest of you better check your Anoide....
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10-25-2013, 06:14 PM
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#13
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Site Team - Lou
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,269
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Allan007
1 & 1/16" socket with 1/2 drive combined with a 12" braker bar and a piece of Pipe as a cheater bar and lean on it. Comes right out. And the Anoide was completely gone on my 2012 Georgetown. So much for the water in Los Angeles. Hard as a rock. Using softwater from now on in my fresh water tank. All the rest of you better check your Anoide....
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This is the problem with not checking your anode every year. Once the anode material is gone the bolt will rust in place and you may never get it out.
You were very lucky.
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Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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