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Old 12-31-2014, 08:46 PM   #1
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Hot Water Heater Tank Drain Valve.

One of the things I was able to finish today was a drain valve for the Hot Water Heater. It had a plastic drain plug that you have to completely remove in order to drain the tank. It is in a tight situation to begin with behind the gas piping and valve, etc. I viewed this to be a pain-in-the-a--.

We're gonna be doing some winter traveling and I may / will need to drain the tank after I fill it up when I reach colder temperatures up north, (we are heading South!).

So after many trips back and forth to H.D., etc. I came up with this:
First photo shows the plastic plug in my hand that I replaced.

Click image for larger version

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ID:	68003

This is a closer view:

Click image for larger version

Name:	2014-12-31 16.35.12.jpg
Views:	254
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ID:	68004
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Old 01-01-2015, 10:59 AM   #2
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Looks like a nice fix that should simplify things nicely.
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Old 01-01-2015, 11:05 AM   #3
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Great mod. I'm sure you're aware that the exposed pipe is subject to freezing sooner if water is left in it. But I like it.
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Old 01-01-2015, 11:05 AM   #4
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This Mod is for (Atwood) heaters (ONLY)! Youroo!!
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Old 01-01-2015, 11:08 AM   #5
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Quote:
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This Mod is for (Atwood) heaters (ONLY)! Youroo!!

True...keep in mind this water heater does not have an anode rod.
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Old 01-01-2015, 01:03 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WFD View Post
True...keep in mind this water heater does not have an anode rod.
Correct, there was not an Anode Rod in there. Not needed with this model due to Aluminum Tank.

And I'm not worried about water freezing in this little length of pipe because that's the whole idea; to be able to drain it quickly and easily.
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Old 01-01-2015, 01:08 PM   #7
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I found this one on the etrailer site "after" I made my modification.
You could use this one if you had an Anode:

Camco RV Water Heater Anode Rod w/ Drain - 1/2" Diameter x 4-1/2" Long Camco RV and Camping CAM11533

And they have one without the Anode as well, but the rotating handle is still back in the way of the gas piping, etc.

http://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Campi.../CAM11703.html
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Old 01-01-2015, 01:25 PM   #8
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Be sure to flush after each season!

Hi what ever you use to drain you water heater remove the sediments from you tank each season . I use this it works well. ;-) Camco RV Water Heater Tank Rinser - Walmart.com
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Old 01-01-2015, 01:51 PM   #9
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I had done a similar mod to mine. Used a nylon adapter to eliminate chance for dissimilar metal reaction. Also extends out far enough to keep crud from running down side of RV.
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Old 01-01-2015, 03:59 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
I had done a similar mod to mine. Used a nylon adapter to eliminate chance for dissimilar metal reaction. Also extends out far enough to keep crud from running down side of RV.
That's perfect as well.
I like the nylon idea.

I'm gonna keep an eye on that interface to see if any kind of reaction is going to go on with the metals. I feel the tape helps minimize that situation.

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Old 01-02-2015, 04:14 AM   #11
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Hot Water Heater

Quote:
Originally Posted by SeaHarley View Post
One of the things I was able to finish today was a drain valve for the Hot Water Heater. It had a plastic drain plug that you have to completely remove in order to drain the tank. It is in a tight situation to begin with behind the gas piping and valve, etc. I viewed this to be a pain-in-the-a--.

We're gonna be doing some winter traveling and I may / will need to drain the tank after I fill it up when I reach colder temperatures up north, (we are heading South!).

So after many trips back and forth to H.D., etc. I came up with this:
First photo shows the plastic plug in my hand that I replaced.

Attachment 68003

This is a closer view:

Attachment 68004
I pulled out the Anode and it empties well, along with any anode scales.
Good Luck on your trip
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Old 01-02-2015, 05:09 AM   #12
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Where is the anode?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SeaHarley View Post
One of the things I was able to finish today was a drain valve for the Hot Water Heater. It had a plastic drain plug that you have to completely remove in order to drain the tank. It is in a tight situation to begin with behind the gas piping and valve, etc. I viewed this to be a pain-in-the-a--.

We're gonna be doing some winter traveling and I may / will need to drain the tank after I fill it up when I reach colder temperatures up north, (we are heading South!).

So after many trips back and forth to H.D., etc. I came up with this:
First photo shows the plastic plug in my hand that I replaced.

Attachment 68003

This is a closer view:

Attachment 68004
Where is the anode?
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Old 01-02-2015, 06:34 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bushbunch View Post
Where is the anode?
An Atwood water heater with an aluminum tank does not have an anode rod. It's the Suburban water heaters with the porcelain-lined steel water heater tank that utilizes an anode rod. I think this was pointed out in the earlier posts # 4,5,and 6.
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