Hot Water Tank Drain

danskool · 08-18-2009, 09:07 AM

Had this on all my different campers. I keep forgetting to take a pic until now. I am sure it has been done many times but i haven't seen any pictures. This same valve has been with me for over seven years. I just keep transferring it from camper to camper. I can't even remember were i got the parts. The little orange end is from a coolant hose from our machine shop lathe at work. I take if off during the winter months to get every last drop of water out as i can.. The heat don't (or hasn't) effected the valve or the plastic tip.

I don't full time and i drain the tank alot due to the camper sitting for a few weeks at a time in our yard. Keeps the water from shooting all over the place.

pegger · 08-18-2009, 11:46 AM

That is neat idea!! It sure prevents the messy splash. I am adding it to the list. Thanks

Virginia RVers · 08-18-2009, 01:16 PM

This is what I have been looking for also. What did you use to replace the plug that goes into the tank? I have asked others about such a item and have never been give a good or correct answer to a replacement for the plastic plug that attaches to the tank. I had asked before to a boat plug type, with a quick relase lever on top. Thoughts?

danskool · 08-18-2009, 09:20 PM

My Mine ball valve was 3/8"NPT The tank is 1/2"NPT I had a adapter that went from 1/2 to 3/8. Male to male. It is screwed into the tank.

I didn't know they had 1/2" or i would have gotten one.. Here is a 1/2"NPT that will screw into the tank. http://www.mcmaster.com/#4912k89/=395eig

And you can use these coolant snap on parts http://www.mcmaster.com/#10095k33/=395gxg or you can just get a 1/2" pipe nipple about 2 or 3" long to get you to the edge.. Less parts. I just might do it. I llike the 1/2" Valve. Less connections seeing it would screw right in.

I Just might make my order today. I will get it tomorrow.. mcmaster is fast. Day or Two.

Edit note. Made links into clicky's.
Edited by: danskool

diesel dave 99 · 08-19-2009, 12:22 AM

what about the rod that is supposted to be in there, Do you just run with out one?

danskool · 08-19-2009, 12:48 AM

Anode rod in the drain hole? I never seen one. I guess it depends on what tank you have. Mine don't have an anode rod at all. Don't call out for one. My previous campers had anode rods but they were in a seperate location. Not the drain hole.

danskool · 08-19-2009, 01:38 AM

Think I will order one of these.. https://www.homeandbeyond.com/prod-0114163.html I have used my valve setup since I can remember and I have never had hot water tank issues. Some folks will say that dissimilar metals will cause electrolysis or some complicated word.. So stay with the plastic plug. So I might get this plastic valve and see if she fits. I think it will.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com

ffice

ffice" />

No mention of a anode rod in an atwood because it is an Aluminum Tank. No anode required or suggested. If you stick in an anode rode will cause the aluminum tank to degrade itself to protect the anode. From what I understand. Anodes are only required if you have a METAL tank. Surburban??? Older models? Correct me if I am wrong.

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/media/5580/mpd%2093050%20sp%2011.19.07.pdf

My older RV’s required them and it was in a separate location. And those were suburban. My atwoods I have not seen one.

Interesting reads.

http://www.rv.net/forum/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/15586765.cfm

http://www.rv.net/forum/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/23009907/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1

spinella · 08-19-2009, 01:14 PM

dan,

your correct. no need for the rod.

diesel dave 99 · 08-20-2009, 01:45 AM

I will have to look Im not sure if I have a anode rod or not in mine. I do like the Idea of the drain valve with an extetion.

danskool · 08-20-2009, 02:48 AM

What i have been finding out is the aluminum tanks don't have anode rods. Should not use because the anode rods havesteel threads. Steel threaded into aluminum= bad.That is why some of us have plastic plugs in our aluminum tanks along with some other Metal Scientific mombo jumpo. If you have a metal tank then anodes are required.

So you have a metal tank then my Metal/Brass set up will work. As in the pictures i posted above. If you have aluminum then we should use plastic valves. So even though it has been working for mei figured i would change it. Maybe in part to me flushing and draing all the time. I have the valve on my desk and will try it shortly to make sure it fits. I will take pictures of it if it does.

Chrisnan23 · 08-20-2009, 09:29 AM

To avoid the metal reactions between aluminum and steel (actually it is the zinc in the galvanized coating) You can use teflon tape to seperate them. This has worked for us for the past 3 years.

calliopeguy · 08-23-2009, 11:38 AM

Ordered the parts about noon from McMasters....parts arrived the next morning. Tight clearance on the install...removed the knob but it still rubbed a little. Got the job done. Been looking for something like that for a long time

CeeDee · 08-24-2009, 12:25 AM

Howdy
Just Question would opening the low point drain & the pressure relief valve & perhaps a hot water tap not drain the tank?
Cal

rock1424 · 08-24-2009, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisnan23

To avoid the metal reactions between aluminum and steel (actually it is the zinc in the galvanized coating) You can use teflon tape to seperate them. This has worked for us for the past 3 years.

I'm glad to hear this. I put a brass drain valve in mine last year. (I was tired of having to unscrew the plastic plug, pain in the rear to get to it.) I used teflon tapeon the threads, and so far see no signs of corrosion. Edited by: rock1424

rock1424 · 08-24-2009, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CeeDee

Howdy
Just Question would opening the low point drain & the pressure relief valve & perhaps a hot water tap not drain the tank?
Cal

That will not drain the hot water tank. If I'm not mistaken, the HW tank outlet is up high on the back of the tank. You have to open the drain valve on the front of the tank in order to drain it.

ThreePutt · 08-25-2009, 07:40 AM

I open low point drain cold side and pressure relief valve, drains hot water heater with no problem. The hot water heater is filled from the bottom.

ThreePutt

rock1424 · 08-25-2009, 12:34 PM

I stand corrected - you are right. I did not know that. Glad I do now.

danskool · 08-26-2009, 02:27 PM

Well, My plastic one i could not get to fit.. Going to stick with what i got. It Has been working this long..

I didn't know that either, about the low point drains. But the last

time i touched my relief valve it started to leak and i had to replace

it. Afraid to touch it again.. Even my last RV did that when i touched

it. It is like a curse for me with them things.

You may also like: