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Old 12-07-2019, 12:33 AM   #1
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Brass plug on water heater

So I'm reading an RV magazine and specifically an article about appliance maintenance. And in that article regarding the water heater inspection it mentions if your water heater has an aluminum tank such as Atwood, inspect the plastic plug for signs of leaking. Then it states: Avoid using metal drain plugs such as steel or brass. Galvanic corrosion will occur, which can lead to the threads rusting together. This makes the plug very difficult to remove.

I had a plastic plug on my water heater and the head was rounding off making it difficult to install or remove correctly with a socket. I replaced it with a "sturdy" brass plug and was quite pleased with myself until I read the above. Should I change it back to plastic? Your thoughts please.

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Old 12-07-2019, 12:53 AM   #2
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Yes:

https://www.amazon.com/Atwood-91857-.../dp/B0007XVWW0
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Old 12-07-2019, 01:23 AM   #3
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Old 12-07-2019, 04:46 AM   #4
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Yup, buy a two pack of the plastics and you'll be good for years.
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Old 12-07-2019, 09:15 AM   #5
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Yes again! Leaving the brass plug in would be ok short term but long term use will get expensive, get the plastic. The original is a nylon type plastic, you can get a pvc plug at any hardware store, it will be a little more sturdy.
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Old 12-07-2019, 02:44 PM   #6
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Do you remember when your house had an electrical panel full of screw-in fuses? Using a brass plug is about like replacing one of those fuses with a penny...
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Old 12-07-2019, 04:06 PM   #7
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Thanks, guys for your answers. It's obvious I made the wrong choice and when it comes out of storage a new plastic plug goes in the water heater. Thanks again.
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Old 12-07-2019, 04:49 PM   #8
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We learn by adking; so you absolutely did the right thing!
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Old 12-07-2019, 04:49 PM   #9
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I don't know that I would wait that long.....go now.
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Old 12-07-2019, 04:53 PM   #10
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The GREAT thing about this forum is people helping people. I’ve been doing this a long time and still learn new things here. BIG Thank You to everyone who contributes!!!
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Old 12-07-2019, 04:56 PM   #11
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Well... It's not being used at all; I can't see much (if any) damage happening.
Do what makes you feel the most. Comfortable.
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Old 12-07-2019, 10:08 PM   #12
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Thanks, guys for your answers. It's obvious I made the wrong choice and when it comes out of storage a new plastic plug goes in the water heater. Thanks again.


I always pick up knowledge just shortly after I need it.
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Old 12-08-2019, 12:17 PM   #13
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Same here.
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Old 12-08-2019, 01:10 PM   #14
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Thanks, guys for your answers. It's obvious I made the wrong choice and when it comes out of storage a new plastic plug goes in the water heater. Thanks again.
How long before it comes out of storage? Might want to do it a little sooner. Galvanic corrosion starts as soon as dissimilar metals contact each other.
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Old 12-08-2019, 01:29 PM   #15
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Yup, buy a two pack of the plastics and you'll be good for years.
I bought 2 about 6 years ago. Still have for use in the new coach in a couple years. I dry winterize 2 or 3 times a year and wet winterize at least once so I put some use on those drain plugs. Get a good 6 point socket and the plug will last longer. 12 point sockets trash the plugs in a hurry. There’s a reason to go tool shopping.
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Old 12-08-2019, 02:00 PM   #16
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How long before it comes out of storage? Might want to do it a little sooner. Galvanic corrosion starts as soon as dissimilar metals contact each other.
This is true but if the tank is dry he's probably OK as the other requirement for galvanic corrosion is an electrolytic solution (like high mineral content water).
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Old 12-08-2019, 03:01 PM   #17
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This is true but if the tank is dry he's probably OK as the other requirement for galvanic corrosion is an electrolytic solution (like high mineral content water).
My wallet could afford a trip to storage to remove a brass plug before it could afford to replace a water heater. What can the OP’s afford?

Can you guarantee that the water heater was 100% empty before the brass plug was put in the tank. I have seen galvanic corrosion in a few months because of humidity and/or proximity to salt water.

Again, what can the OP’s wallet afford?
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Old 12-08-2019, 03:18 PM   #18
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I suppose that it all depends upon how much "Peace of mind"; is worth to someone...
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Old 12-09-2019, 01:30 AM   #19
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When the brass plug and the tank threads react, They grow together.. It's likely the plug will be difficult to remove and will take the aluminum threads with it.
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Old 12-09-2019, 01:39 AM   #20
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When the brass plug and the tank threads react, They grow together.. It's likely the plug will be difficult to remove and will take the aluminum threads with it.
Same happens with TPMS sensors and tire valves if one is not mindful.
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