Water heater drain plug blew out - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

hilltool · 08-09-2014, 10:09 PM

Camping this last weekend and the nylon drain plug busted and broke leaving nylon threads on the inside of the fitting but nothing else. I usually leave it out after draining but had hand tightened in place after last drain. Filled and pressurized the system but was leaking from the plug so I went to tighten it and it blew out after shearing off. At any rate, there is nothing left in the fitting but the the threads. I don't see anyway to get them out except to go after them with an exacto knife and keep hacking away. Any ideas? Can I heat them to soften them? Don't want to use a dreamel and ruin the metal threads.

Rick

retiredcamper47 · 08-09-2014, 11:00 PM

Go to Home Depot or Lowes and go to their water sprinkler section. They carry a tool that looks like a reamer but is an "easy out". This saved my butt when I had your problem. Good luck.

Bob

hilltool · 08-09-2014, 11:06 PM

Thanks, bob. I also found this link. Glad I did.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...print/true.cfm
Rick

retiredcamper47 · 08-09-2014, 11:17 PM

Rick, Mine is one piece and is made of aluminum or pot metal. At least you know what I'm talking about.

Bob

Garry · 08-09-2014, 11:49 PM

Does anyone know what the purpose of the 1/2" vinyl tubing that is teed off of the water supply line on my 2705T Tow Lite? The tubing is 4 feet long and not connected to anything. Picture 2 was taken from inside the trailer....picture 1 was taken from the outside access door for the water pump. Water pump was used this week without any problems.

campthewestcoast · 08-10-2014, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garry

Does anyone know what the purpose of the 1/2" vinyl tubing that is teed off of the water supply line on my 2705T Tow Lite? The tubing is 4 feet long and not connected to anything. Picture 2 was taken from inside the trailer....picture 1 was taken from the outside access door for the water pump. Water pump was used this week without any problems.

To add antifreeze to the water system using the fresh water pump

Garry · 08-10-2014, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campthewestcoast

To add antifreeze to the water system using the fresh water pump

Thanks Les, the original owner was in South Dakota so the line was needed, but here in Southern California I don't think I will ever use it.

Norton Rider · 08-10-2014, 08:48 AM

Consider installing a drain valve in place of the plug. Look at my post in the plumbing section titled, Water Heater Drain Valve Installation.

hilltool · 08-11-2014, 09:31 AM

Nice piece of work , Raul. I bought the extraction tool yesterday so I will have to see how that part of the procedure goes, first. I'm surprised somebody doesn't make a pre-made version of the drain valve already. I wonder if leaving it in all the time doesn't lead to more corrosion and/or tendency for it to get hard to remove as time goes on?

RichR · 08-11-2014, 09:54 AM

I suspect that hot, cold, and time takes its toll on the nylon plugs. There is a tendency to over tighten them which doesn't help. I don't think nylon adds to corrosion, that is one reason they use nylon, and it doesn't mess up the threads on the tank. Camco makes a wrench and plug kit for water heaters which includes two plugs and a special angled wrench so you can properly tighten the plug without messing it up like pliers, etc. do.

Amazon.com: Camco 11633 Water Heater Drain Plug and Wrench Kit: Automotive

Norton Rider · 08-11-2014, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilltool

Nice piece of work , Raul. I bought the extraction tool yesterday so I will have to see how that part of the procedure goes, first. I'm surprised somebody doesn't make a pre-made version of the drain valve already. I wonder if leaving it in all the time doesn't lead to more corrosion and/or tendency for it to get hard to remove as time goes on?

Good question.

I don't think there are corrosion any issues. I installed a similar drain valve in both my previous RVs with no detrimental effects. My previous boat had a water heater bypass system (for winterizing) that utilized brass fittings screwed into the heater ports and I never had a problem.

As far as being hard to remove, I recommend teflon tape instead of pipe sealant on something like this. This usually helps with removal.

Incidentally, you may be able to find a nylon bushing and a nylon valve that can be used instead of brass. The valve will need to be rated for city water pressure and hot water.

hilltool · 08-11-2014, 06:35 PM

Good suggestions everyone, thanks. I WAS able to locate a "Nylon nipple extraction kit" at Menards ( a sort of Midwestern Home Depot) for 4.00 and got the sheared plug out. I recommend everyone pick one up and have it in your repair kit in case your nylon drain plug shears while you are on the road. Would have meant hot showers instead of cold ones for me. BOught a pair of plugs so I have a extra but I may look at the drain valve idea as well.

Rick