|
|
10-22-2021, 04:07 PM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Edmond
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 30
|
Recurring drain plug failure
Every time we go out in our AS, we seem to experience failure in the drain plug on our water heater. AS dealer said they couldn’t find anything wrong with our water heater but we are frustrated that the problem continues to recur. It’s a pain to keep replacing these plugs only to have them fail on the next trip. Doesn’t seem to matter if we are heating with electric or propane. Anyone else have a similar issue or possible solution?
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 04:20 PM
|
#2
|
3 Rivet Member
2020 19' Caravel
Ammon
, Idaho
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 242
|
I am curious, how much torque are you applying while installing it? Could be it is too much.
Is the mode is failure the same each time?
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 04:32 PM
|
#3
|
2 Rivet Member
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Edmond
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 30
|
Yes, the thing is hard to get to but we’ve tried tape, no tape, tight, loose (but snug). Nothing seems to hold up for more than a day or two. Using the camco plastic plugs.
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 04:57 PM
|
#4
|
4 Rivet Member
2024 19' Caravel
Washougal
, Washington
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 334
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisarhr
... camco plastic plugs.
|
Try one from Airstream, let us know how that works. Maybe the thread pitch on the Camcos is a bit off.
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 05:16 PM
|
#5
|
3 Rivet Member
2018 23' Flying Cloud
Peru
, Illinois
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 187
|
Plug This!
Buy a bag of plastic plugs and/or metal plug. Keep on hand. Use anti-sieze compound on the threads of the plastic plugs or pipe thread compound on the metal plugs. Hand tighten them then use socket 1/4 turn. Check for leaks.These were found at Amazon.
zoz
__________________
Cindy & Randy
2018 AS Flying Cloud 23FB
2018 GMC Sierra Denali 4x4 6.2L
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 05:51 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
1995 25' Excella
xxxxx
, xxxxxx
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,349
|
I use the Camco plugs. I put white thread sealant on them, then put them in finger tight, plus about half a turn. I fill the tank and check for leaks. If I get a drip, I snug a 1/4 of a turn at a time until it stops. I doubt if I have ever turned one a full turn before it sealed. I usually put a new plug in at the start of the season and leave it all season.
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 06:05 PM
|
#7
|
Site Team
1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 5,503
|
When I bought my 1994 Excella last spring there was a replacement drain plug in the junk drawer left by the original owner. It was an Atwood branded plug, and I immediately noticed that there is a difference between the actual Atwood plug and the ones being sold today.
The Atwood plug had a longer threaded area and a more noticeable taper to the threaded area. No doubt that the current ones don't seal as well. I've had a few bottom out before they got even remotely tight. I tried to find some like the Atwood plug, but no luck so far.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser (Sold)
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 06:55 PM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
2014 19' International
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Cedar Rapids
, Iowa
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 587
|
No to metal plugs and tape. They are a safety feature designed to blow out if pressure builds in the water heater. Use plastic only.
You might explain “fail” better. Has anyone checked your water heater for proper performance? If they are leaking, you might have a pressure problem and something might not be operating correctly. Just a thought. I’d have it checked out by a professional.
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 07:10 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2004 28' Classic
Monument
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,565
|
We have used the same brass plug with Teflon tape for many years. It has never failed. We snug the plug up to finger tight, and then another 1/4 quarter turn. Over tightening, i guess, may result in premature failure. Never had a problem.
__________________
DaveP
2004 Airstream Classic 28 "Willard"
2023 Ram 3500 4x4
|
|
|
10-22-2021, 07:12 PM
|
#10
|
diesel maniac
Airstream - Other
Tucson
, AZ
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,523
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawk-ination
No to metal plugs and tape. They are a safety feature designed to blow out if pressure builds in the water heater. Use plastic only.
|
I don't think that is correct, that's the job of the TPR valve. Someone may have told you that but it wasn't correct. If it were true why bother to install a TPR? My thoughts on the plastic plugs, they are used because people can't possibly strip out the aluminum threads with plastic like they could if they over tightened a brass one. The manufacturer knows DIY people will be removing and installing those plugs and some DIY people feel the need to over tighten everything and aluminum threads will fail easily. Plus the plastic ones are cheaper for the manufacturer.
__________________
Brian
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 07:55 AM
|
#11
|
2 Rivet Member
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Edmond
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 30
|
Yes,I had the AS dealer looked at it and they couldn’t find anything wrong with the heater. I’m guessing that we’re tightening the plugs too much. Will try a softer touch and a large package of plugs. I did find Atwood plugs on Amazon.
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 09:32 AM
|
#12
|
Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,165
|
The plugs are a tapered pipe thread. Tighten then too much and you will deform them. Just tighten then to firm, then a tad more.
Pat
__________________
--------------------------------------
Somebody, please, point me to the road.
AIR 3987
TAC VA-2
WBCCI 4596
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 09:34 AM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills
, California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
|
Those plugs hardly need to be tightened at all. I wrap the plugs with teflon plumbing tape a couple times then twist on with my fingers. Use a crescent wrench a quarter or half turn after that. All you want is the minimum tightness to stay watertight.
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 09:34 AM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Washington
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,589
|
Similar topic
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...ug-228734.html
Inc discussion re relief valve.
Imo, they use plastic since with the tough access, it would be easy to X thread with a brass plug.
i use a deep socket with a 6" extension by hand so i can accurately control the approach then the ratchet the last few threads. Also I use the tube of teflon sealant with camco plastic. My spare is gathering a lot of dust in the spare parts box.
__________________
WashMoBob
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 09:44 AM
|
#15
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,674
|
Hi
Like it or not, you *can* damage the threads on something like this. My guess is that a 2016 trailer hasn't been failing every two days since 2016. Something happened and now there's a problem. With a location like this, getting eyeballs on the threads is near impossible without pulling the water heater ( yuck ) or getting an inspection 'scope. (which is still a bit iffy .....).
Bob
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 09:44 AM
|
#16
|
3 Rivet Member
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Mesquite
, Nevada
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 171
|
You mentioned getting Atwood plugs from Amazon it’s possible you got an inferior copy from a 3rd party seller.
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 10:33 AM
|
#17
|
3 Rivet Member
2013 30' Classic
Key West
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 186
|
Recurring drain plug failure
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZOZ
Buy a bag of plastic plugs and/or metal plug. Keep on hand. Use anti-sieze compound on the threads of the plastic plugs or pipe thread compound on the metal plugs. Hand tighten them then use socket 1/4 turn. Check for leaks.These were found at Amazon.
zoz
|
I’m sure Teflon pipe thread is better, but if anti seize is used, make sure it is rated as Food Grade.
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 11:22 AM
|
#18
|
"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
|
[QUOTE=DonRich7878;2549420]I’m sure Teflon pipe thread is better, but if anti seize is used, make sure it is rated as
*Food Grade*
Who drinks hot water.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 11:36 AM
|
#19
|
Rivet Master
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisarhr
Yes, the thing is hard to get to but we’ve tried tape, no tape, tight, loose (but snug). Nothing seems to hold up for more than a day or two. Using the camco plastic plugs.
|
…I use permeates thread sealer…..a liquid white small plastic container..with brush…even works on model A head bolts…non hardening
|
|
|
10-23-2021, 11:41 AM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
1988 32' Excella
Robbinsville
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3,116
|
[QUOTE=ROBERT CROSS;2549434]
Quote:
Originally Posted by DonRich7878
I’m sure Teflon pipe thread is better, but if anti seize is used, make sure it is rated as
*Food Grade*
Who drinks hot water.
Bob
🇺🇸
|
Some people use hot water for cooking, also the cold water often comes out of the same faucet as the hot water.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|