Plastic plug for water heater teflon?

[Nate]

Does the plastic plug on the water heater that plugs the drain need to have teflon tape? I seem to remember you don't need teflon tape for plastic. But I would rather tape it and fill it, then not tape and have to drain it again to fix a potential leak.

[fastercat]

I taped mine, I cant hurt.

[Nate]

That's what I was figuring, thanks.

[Jrmay25]

I have never taped mine and have not had any issues with it dripping. However, the brass "quick drain" plugs that I use during the summer months will leak without being taped.

[NVGun40]

I discarded mine and made a small brass extension with an easy open valve. Purchase the parts from a plumbing store, then found out they are already available online for about the same cost. I taped it, tightened it and never have to remove it.

[Scoutr2]

Originally Posted by fastercat

I taped mine, I cant hurt.

Me too. Better safe than sorry.

I have a brass plug with a threaded drain valve from my last TT. Just haven't put it in yet. I'm waiting to see how much sediment accumulates before I restrict the drain hole with a smaller valve.

[Nate]

My Father confirmed that he never taped his plastic plug and was fine. We'll see how it goes without it taped and if I notice it dripping I'll tape it up. Thanks all!

[RedHorse1]

I don't tape and have seen no leaks. But I do carry spares and wind up replacing them when they look a bit "chewed on".

[Scoutr2]

I used one of these on my last TT, but haven't installed it yet on my new Jayco. This avoided having to remove the plastic plug each time I got done camping and wasn't going out again for a few weeks. (The water gets skunky sitting in there, stagnant, and in the summer heat!)

[norty1]

What ever you you use, Make sure you have a spare. I had a nylon plug blow out of my water heater once. Removing them causes wear so a replacement is cheap insurance.

[Bassdogs]

Ditto with the brass plug replacement. No more skinned knuckles trying to remove the plastic plug'

[TWP723]

Originally Posted by norty1

What ever you you use, Make sure you have a spare. I had a nylon plug blow out of my water heater once. Removing them causes wear so a replacement is cheap insurance.

Ditto!

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by norty1

What ever you you use, Make sure you have a spare. I had a nylon plug blow out of my water heater once. Removing them causes wear so a replacement is cheap insurance.

+1

You can pick up a two pack of of the plastic ones just about anywhere. I bought a pack and threw them in my "parts" drawer in the TT. Did that shortly after I removed the plug with the tank under pressure and it shot out into the lawn (I didn't know the tank was under pressure and didn't bother to lift the relief valve ) I figured "some day that plug is going to strip out or break".

My plan is to tap a valve into the plastic plug. This way I don't have to worry about dissimilar metal corrosion (regardless of the likelihood of it actually happening) and my plastic plug has never leaked. I don't tape it, but I carry tape in the aforementioned "parts" drawer.

[clubhouse]

For all those using Brass, or planning to use brass, those are not recommended do to dissimilar metal reaction with the aluminum tank. If you do go forth with brass, use heavy Teflon tape to provide a barrier between brass and aluminum.

[Rustic Eagle]

I agree with Clubhouse's word of caution.

Using "any" type of metal threaded plug, drain, fitting,, etc.., in the Atwood aluminum tank can create a corrosive reaction (electrolysis) within the tank. One should find that all threaded connections on the aluminum tank are plastic for this reason.

Bob

[rryman]

Does anyone know for sure that this plug is a 3/4NPT? Looks like it to me but not 100% sure. I need to get a spare also to keep in my "spare stuff" or "Just in case" box.

[Camper_bob]

Post #11 in this thread.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7...twood-313.html

He tapped a valve into the existing plastic plug. Use a little tape on the original nylon plug, and this way you don't have to worry at all about dissimilar metals.

[Crabman]

I do not use teflon tape, and with a 15/16" socket and extension access and removal/installation is easy at least on my particular heater which is an Atwood 6 gallon.

[nwminnesota]

Tape acts like a lubricate. Doesn't really have sealing properties it allows you to get that extra turn or to to prevent leaks. Brass on brass connection doesn't require tape being it's a pretty soft metal however a little tape goes along way. Stainless steel you definitely would want to tape because otherwise you have a good chance of gulling likewise with aluminum also. Pipe dope i believe can act like a sealant as well as a lube.

This is what was told to me and also has been my experiences with the types of metal. Never hurts to tape it. Just remember if it's a gas fitting use the right tape.

[Nate]

Thanks all. Great input!