Travel Trailer Water Heater Woes

[Agent11]

I own a 88 Argosy Airstream trailer, the water heater has a pvc drain plug that was leaking hot water. I took the plug out and put some thread tape on it then screwed it back in.

The problem was that as I screwed it in it never got tight, and the head came right off. The Plug was hollow and so now I have what is essentially a very thin, short pvc pipe busted off in this fitting for the drain plug.

How the hell do I get it out?

 

[jagec]

drain the tank if it isn't already, use a razor blade to score the inside of the plastic to weaken it, then use needlenose pliers and/or a screwdriver to pry the plastic away from the metal enough to get some vice grips on it. Once it is clamped, pull on the plastic until it breaks. The first few times you'll only tear off small chunks, but once you break it from top to bottom, the whole thing will come off in the next attempt.

 

[herm0016]

or use an easy out that is the correct size. I have had good luck with those in plastic as they get a good bite. otherwise, try the method above. you could also heat it up a bit to soften it and then pull it out.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Use method above or use PVC cement to glue a new receiver into the new smaller drain hole.

 

[Agent11]

Iv'e been trying with one of those small straight hacksaws, sharp metal probes, and a box cutter.

I think I may have to take off the water heater ignition assembly and cowl so that I can get a better angle at it.

Or I may do as you are suggesting EK, it sounds a lot easier. Finding the right fitting may be tricky though.

 

[Agent11]

Fixed it.

I sawed 2 slits in the pipe a few mm apart then tapped a nail underneath them. This caused the pipe to buckle upward and I could rotate it out using a screw driver and a hooked probe.

I bumped loose one of the sets of wires coming to the ignition assembly, they are now almost hanging free at the point where they attach to the body of the water heater.

One thing after another.

 

[WackyDan]

Least you know what your problem is...

I have a 6 gallon gas/electric in my toy hauler... Electric element didn't work. I should have put an ohm meter on the element as it was fine.... But I tend to do things and plan for the worse so I ordered me a new on/off switch, heater element, and new high voltage and low voltage thermostats for kicks...

Replaced it all for giggles.

Still doesn't work. Only thing it could be now is the controller or maybe some wiring. Gas works fine so I suspect the controller is bad - which is rare... I'll wait on that until spring.