Hot Water Heater Drain

joeortego · 03-21-2018, 06:31 PM

Does anyone have any cool mods to drain the hot water heater something permanent so I don`t have to fight with the plug?

**ependydad** · 03-21-2018, 06:32 PM

What kind of water heater?

Atwood or Suburban? Or, metal or plastic plug?

**Flybob** · 03-21-2018, 06:35 PM

You didn't say if it was an Atwood (plug) or Suburban ( anode rod). Since you did say plug I will make the assumption that is it an Atwood. Photo below shows my mod. Works well and inexpensive.

Scrapper · 03-21-2018, 06:57 PM

OP mentions having to fight with the plug. Suburban WH has plugs with an anode rod attached, the weight of the anode rod makes it harder to get the plug started. I've had both Atwood and Suburban and the Atwood plug is a lot easier to put back in than a Suburban. Always use a 1-1/16 socket, a 4 to 6 inch extension and a ratchet to replace a Suburban plug. There are a few tricks to make it easier, such a putting paper over the plug before putting in in the socket.

GT20 · 03-22-2018, 12:57 PM

I put in an anode plug with petcock to easily drain my suburban in between trips.

Butch & Lena · 03-22-2018, 02:04 PM

Is it easy to take out your mod to clean the tank?

Larry-NC · 03-22-2018, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT20

I put in an anode plug with petcock to easily drain my suburban in between trips.

Here's a link to a page with rods for Atwood heaters.

And here's a link for Suburban heaters.

The purists will probably note that draining the heater this way doesn't get all the sand and other particles that come in with the water. I use this to minimize this.

You also forego the regular check of the anode rod. As you stated, it's moot in your case since you drain the heater after each trip, but others might install the petcock, while using the heater full-time or frequently, and fail to detect a depleted anode rod.

Larry

Scrapper · 03-22-2018, 02:07 PM

I believe Camco make that type of anode rod/plug. The thing is you should pull the rod/plug out once a year to flush the wh and check the anode.

It's not so much as sand getting in the tank as it is the gunk from anode rod doing it's job. Some people have had the gunk get into the water lines and plug up valves and aerator screens at the faucet.

GT20 · 03-22-2018, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapper

I believe Camco make that type of anode rod/plug. The thing is you should pull the rod/plug out once a year to flush the wh and check the anode.

I agree, I remove the anode just before winter storage and replace with a screened cap.

markb422 · 03-22-2018, 05:11 PM

I replaced the plug (steel tank no rod) with a nylon male coupling, 1/4 shut off (female both ends) then a npt to hose thread adapter so I can screw a short hose to it and direct the spray when draining the tank. The 1/4 turn makes it easy to drain. Or, I can connect a hose with spray handle to rinse dishes if she does them on the picnic table. Fits snugly inside the folding cover.

emeth · 03-31-2018, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

You didn't say if it was an Atwood (plug) or Suburban ( anode rod). Since you did say plug I will make the assumption that is it an Atwood. Photo below shows my mod. Works well and inexpensive.

Good job Flybob!

Do you have a parts list that you could post.

This would make it much easier to identify and purchase the parts.

Thanks

Wolverine 1945 · 04-01-2018, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

You didn't say if it was an Atwood (plug) or Suburban ( anode rod). Since you did say plug I will make the assumption that is it an Atwood. Photo below shows my mod. Works well and inexpensive.

Wish I had one of those Heaters,,, Love your mod Bob !!!
I keep my 1 1/16 socket packed with paper towel to help replace my anode rod

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