Hot Water Drain

[Gregg S]

I just bought an 02 safari and have both gas and electric hot water. They installed the electric coil into the normal drain value area. Now to drain the tank I have to unplug the coil then unscrew it to drain. The gas line runs infront of the plug for the coil and there is no room to work. My question is there any other location to install a drain? All ideas are welcome

[goransons]

if its a suburban then you usually pull the anode rod. It unlike the electric element can be removed without removing the burner tube. The philosophy I gather is that if you don't have to remove the anode rod, most if not all people would likely never check it, but being the only means to drain the tank it comes out at least once a season. Personally I think its a pain in the butt, particularly right now when I'm charging the system to check it out, then using for several short trips spaced apart by a few weeks, longer than I want to leave standing water in the system.

[2airishuman]

hi gregg

there is no anode rod on these newer a/s supplied units and

and my understanding is that, it's not needed as the water heater tank is coated.

IF your unit has a electrical element installed IN the original drain plug...

that's an aftermarket, non approved modification....

i'm not a fan of using these accessory heating elements, BUT if using one...

it should be removed regularly for inspection, draining/flushing the tank and

to keep the threads from galvanic/electrolytic sealing...

cheers
2air'

[Gregg S]

I do believe that it is an aftermarket install. Can i put back the stock drain valve and where is the best place to order it

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Gregg S

Can i put back the stock drain valve and where is the best place to order it

the stock plug is synthetic material (nylon i think) black or white...

most rv shops keep then in supply, cw sells them; about 3-5 $ for 2...

and i keep 4-5 extras in the trailer, for friends!

cheers
2air'