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Topic: Water heater drain plug wrench (Read 263 times) previous topic - next topic
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Water heater drain plug wrench

It is recommended that you flush your water heater tank at least annually. This has been a pain in the… knuckles due to the limited access to the plastic drain plug using a box or open-end wrench. I found that this slim profile ratcheting wrench makes the job much easier, and shouldn't round off the hex-head corners like an open-end wrench can. It is $15.29 on Amazon.

TOOLGUARDS 15/16" Slim Profile Ratcheting Wrench

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2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Water heater drain plug wrench
Reply #1 –
I use a 6” extension on a 1/2” socket wrench.   Simple and easy.  And it is abundantly clear that in this the Neighborhood, we have more options to do about anything!  😂
Re: Water heater drain plug wrench
Reply #2 –

I wasn't sure by looking that a socket and extension would work on the water heater drain plug due to the tight space. Does it have to be a thin-walled socket? I can dedicate the ratchet wrench to the water heater drain plug and store it right there behind the water heater access hatch, to keep it handy. I don't know if the flush nozzle would fit there also. The socket is as low as $6 on Amazon, and the wrench is $16. For anyone that doesn't have a flush tool, a link follows.

RV water heater tank rinser

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Water heater drain plug wrench
Reply #3 –
I just use a standard 15/16 inch wrench to remove the plug. I did bend the shields a bit to give me more room. Maybe not ideal but it works. I keep several extra plastic plugs in the RV in case needed.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Water heater drain plug wrench
Reply #5 –
Maybe the water here, and also from other surrounding areas in southern Ca. isn't very hard, but I've almost never had any white debris come out of my water heater.  I've posted before, (pictures too) of a drain line with 3/8" valve attached to my heater drain line that makes it easy to drain.  Water Heater Access on 24 TK
   Presently I have a vinyl line (sort of permanently) attached.)  I was working on my tank/pump to install a 'T' for a water filtration add on, and encountered multiple issues with now hard to find PEX A fittings. I did manage to install a high quality, small and certified water safe, 1/2" valve on my water tank. I was also working on the water line to my toilet, solved for now.  Parker Liquifit Par-Barb Valve Union Connector - 1/2 ID Barb x 1/2 ID Barb –...   That valve inserts into the 'hose' type of line that LD used in many tank to water pump plumbing.
   But I had to drain the water heater multiple times, sometimes 2-3 times a day. Using a 5 gallon bucket I could save most of that water. My container plants appreciated that.
   I mostly do water heat for dishwashing, and shower duty, but leave it off unless I anticipate needing hot water.
RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
 
Re: Water heater drain plug wrench
Reply #6 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Maybe the water here, and also from other surrounding areas in southern Ca. isn't very hard, but I've almost never had any white debris come out of my water heater.

The amount of white calcium deposits removed depends on the water used and how long it has been since the last flush.
Sometimes the driveway looks like a hailstorm came by. Using a flexible water heater cleaning tool, I aggressively work the flexible dtubel in and out of the drain hole, trying to scour as much of the tank's interior as possible.
Since we are on the road for three to four months a year, who knows how much dissolved minerals we pick up using the local waters?
 
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze