frozen hot water tank drain plug

[mmiller4]

the nylon/plastic drain plug won't budge on my 13' hot water tank. It is slightly rounded due to the channel locks i tried after the socket wrench didn't work.
tried WD-40 with no luck. suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[jcstanley]

drill it out an get a new one .

[ken jon]

What I've done in the past is used a large flat screwdriver heat it with the torch and push it into the plastic and then let it cool and then turn it out

Hope this helps

[Darwin Maring]

Two great solutions.

[mmiller4]

I ordered replacement plugs that should be here Monday as I doubt the one i takeout will be usable . A mechanic also suggested using a 12 point socket as he has had some luck with them when a 6 point would not grab. Also while looking through you tube getting an "inside the pipe wrench" may be useful if the head snaps off. I will post my results after my success

[Marks Alot]

If the drain plug is that far gone, the water heater may be in pretty bad shape all together. If you can swing it, it may be a good idea to replace the water heater. Not sure if water heaters have the manufactured date on them, but if you can find that, it'll give you an idea how old this appliance is.

[GRC]

mmiller

Perhaps you got the mechanics socket information backwards. If the hex head is too rounded and a 12point socket is not catching, you want to try a 6point. It would have to be very rounded off if a 6point socket would not turn the plug.

[Jack L]

Auto parts stores sell a special tool to remove wheel locking lug nuts when the "key" is lost. They basically are like a socket that is hammered onto the nut but they have something similar to teeth that grip as the nut is turned counter clockwise. They come in a set and are not cheap but maybe you could take the trailer to a good tire shop and see if they can help you.

[Borrego Dave]

There is also a socket made by Endeavor called Gator Grip that has small spring loaded pins to conform to dinged up nuts and bolts. They do work well.

[mary and bob]

I'm sure there isn't room for a pipe wrench or vise grips, but how about a basin wrench which is sorta like a pipe wrench turned on end

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

I'm sure there isn't room for a pipe wrench or vise grips, but how about a basin wrench which is sorta like a pipe wrench turned on end

I removed a rounded nylon plug from a RV water heater using a 12" basin wrench. You can buy a cheapo at Harbor Freight for about $6 . It's not a RIGID but good enough for around the house.

[Dan Meyer]

Have a friend with a stronger grip on the channel lock pliers try it.

If that doesn't work, drill out what you can without damaging the tank, and carefully use a shop knife to cut the remaining part out.

-- Dan Meyer

[mmiller4]

I drilled a 3/8" pilot whole in the center of the plug and used a box end wrench to seat the 1/2" easy out bit. It took about 5 minutes of back a forth to get it to move then it came right out and replacement plug threaded in without issue. Large easy out set for $6.50.

[Darwin Maring]

Do you have an Anode rod in the heater?? It saves the heater from corroding and it fits where the plastic plug is.

[Dan Meyer]

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

Do you have an Anode rod in the heater?? It saves the heater from corroding and it fits where the plastic plug is.

Atwood water heaters have aluminum tanks, and are not equipped with anode rods from the factory, and are not recommended.

--Dan Meyer
Dan and Dawn's Scamp Travel Trailer

[Darwin Maring]

Dan, I didn't know that. Thanks 4 the info.