leaking water heater

[usnmustang00]

I have a 2019 Imagine 2600RB (bought it new two months ago), today I came home to a leaking water heater. The leak was coming from the lower left corner of the unit; I think it is the drain plug, but with a new unit I wasn't sure. Is this a common problem with these water heaters and where can I get a replacement plug?

[Cate&Rob]

usnmustang00
Welcome to our owners technical forum.

A leak from the lower left (outside facing the water heater) is quite possibly the drain plug. Some more information will help. What brand of water heater do you have? Is the plug plastic or metal? A replacement plug should be available at any RV dealer or parts retailer. My guess is a stripped or cracked plastic Atwood/Dometic drain plug . . . if you can post a picture, we can confirm this.

Rob

[usnmustang00]

I added a picture to my original post.

[Country Campers]

I added a picture to my original post.

Yes I believe that your drain plug is leaking. It looks like it is inserted pretty far. I would get a new plug , always good to have an extra one , as well as some white Teflon tape. Remove the old plug and if it is in good shape add a wrap or two of the Teflon tape and re-install. If you do not like the looks of the old plug install the new one the same way. These plugs are plastic so you have to be careful on how tight they get installed , hard to explain how tight. Also an important note , before removing the old plug make sure the heater is turned off , gas and electric , turn on a hot water spigot in the RV and run this until water is cold , this will ensure that you do not get blasted with hot water when you remove the plug. Also make sure your city water or pump is turned off , I have learned this once. When you have the plug removed you can open the pressure relief valve on the water heater , should be above the plug generally , brass item with silver handle. This will allow the tank to drain.

Brian

[ckreef]

That drain plug looks like it's been buggered up a bit. I would replace it. 15/16 wrench is needed so you don't have to use pliers. A direct replacement plastic plug can be found at any big box hardware store. Some people have replaced that plug with a valve and hose setup to make draining the hot water heater easier. A few different thread on here showing that.

[Canyonlight]

Using a 15/16" socket and extension makes installation and removal easy and quick. I have not considered using a wrench but that seems challenging and time consuming with the small space to work in.

We install and remove our plug after each trip if the RV is going to sit more than a few days/week. We used the original plug for 6 years. Last year I installed a new plug using Teflon tape (as we always have) as Brain suggested.

Having an extra plug on hand is a wise move just in case you crack one by tightening too tightly. I have not done this but others have reported this happening over the years. The plugs often are sold in two/pack and are not costly.

Dan

[Cate&Rob]

I added a picture to my original post.

Fairly obvious that the "technician" who put that plug in did not have the right tool . Good advice above, from others on this thread.

Additional info that may become useful . . . the plastic plug identifies that you have an Atwood/Dometic water heater with an aluminum tank. This is why the plug is plastic, to prevent galvanic corrosion. The other common water heater is a Suburban. It has a metal drain plug with a long anode attached to the inside to prevent corrosion to its steel tank. You want to stick with the plastic plug, as the anode version may cause corrosion problems with your aluminum tank.

Many years ago, I made up an extension drain plug for my Atwood water heater. I used a plastic adapter into the tank to isolate the brass drain valve from the aluminum tank. This valve continues to work well. (see attached picture)

Rob

[boyscout]

Many years ago, I made up an extension drain plug for my Atwood water heater. I used a plastic adapter into the tank to isolate the brass drain valve from the aluminum tank. This valve continues to work well. (see attached picture) Rob

Still awaiting Dr. Rob's design for a simple drain system like that for Suburban water heaters.

Could we Suburban heater owners just hurl a couple of cathode rods into the tank and then use the valve you designed?

[howson]

Still awaiting Dr. Rob's design for a simple drain system like that for Suburban water heaters.

Could we Suburban heater owners just hurl a couple of cathode rods into the tank and then use the valve you designed?

No need, Mark. Try the following:

1) Turn off your water source (city or pump).

2) Open the COLD water low point drain.

3) Open the T&P valve on the hot water heater.

The hot water should come pouring out the bottom of the camper through the cold water low point drain. At least it does on my 315RLTS. I don't see why it won't work on every unit. Air in > water out courtesy of Sir Isaac Newton.

Put a 1/4 turn valve on the cold water low point drain and the process is really easy.

I put valves on all the drain lines...

[Country Campers]

No need, Mark. Try the following:

1) Turn off your water source (city or pump).

2) Open the COLD water low point drain.

3) Open the T&P valve on the hot water heater.

The hot water should come pouring out the bottom of the camper through the cold water low point drain. At least it does on my 315RLTS. I don't see why it won't work on every unit. Air in > water out courtesy of Sir Isaac Newton.

Put a 1/4 turn valve on the cold water low point drain and the process is really easy.

I put valves on all the drain lines...

That seems to not work on our Reflection fifth wheel. I think it works on your because you have the washer/dryer setup inside and the plumbing is a little different. May work on others but not on mine.

Brian

[howson]

That seems to not work on our Reflection fifth wheel. I think it works on your because you have the washer/dryer setup inside and the plumbing is a little different. May work on others but not on mine.

Brian

Did you ever try the cold drain line? From memory I thought when you tried this you opened the hot water line. I don't see how it would make a difference whether it's a 5vr or TT as the low point should be the low point.

You're buying the beer next time we get together if I open up that line and hot water comes pouring out of your trailer. If I'm wrong--beer is on me. Given my plumbing knowledge, I'll have the credit card warmed up and ready to go.

[usnmustang00]

Thank you for all of your recommendations, I replaced the plug with a new one wrapped with plumbers tape and the problem is fixed. I guess the guy at the plant was having a bad day when he got to my water heater.