Replacing an RV water-heater drain fitting starts with the heater model, not with the plug or rod's approximate size. A used Suburban heater may need an anode rod, while an older Atwood or Dometic heater uses a dedicated drain plug. The two designs are different and should not be converted from one to the other.
Which drain part came out of your RV water heater?
Suburban glass-lined tank
Look for a threaded sacrificial anode. Its core enters the tank to help protect it from corrosion. Inspect it periodically as specified by Suburban.
Atwood/Dometic aluminum tank
Look for a drain plug or cap rather than a sacrificial anode. Older Atwood and later WH-series heaters have different fittings, so the exact heater and removed cap matter.
Identify the replacement before ordering
| What you have | Confirm | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Long anode screwed into a Suburban tank | Heater model, anode specifications, plug thread and remaining anode condition | Using a plain drain plug in place of a required sacrificial anode |
| Plastic drain plug from an older Atwood heater | Original male thread, exact thread size and heater parts reference | Assuming any 1/2-inch-labeled plug fits the tank |
| Dometic WH-series drain cap | Exact WH model and whether the original cap fits over a male outlet | Replacing a female-thread cap with a male-thread plug |
| Aftermarket anode or unknown plug | MPN, length, thread, heater model and manufacturer approval | Matching on appearance or length alone |
Parts listings with product photographs
Browse these exact UsedRVParts catalog records to compare the component type and part number. Listings may include new parts alongside used RV components; check each item's condition and availability.
Suburban magnesium anodePart 233514Suburban's standard magnesium anode for its tank-style water heaters.See listing and availability →
Suburban aluminum anodePart 233516An aluminum anode option listed by Suburban; match the exact heater.See listing and availability →
Atwood drain plug and wrench setPart 91857Older Atwood drain-plug style; inspect the original threaded fitting.See listing and availability →
Dometic WH-series drain capPart 92102WH-series drain fitting for listed Dometic heater models.See listing and availability →
Camco replacement drain plugsPart 11630Replacement plastic plugs; match nominal thread and original part.See listing and availability →
Camco drain-plug kitPart 11633Drain-plug service kit for suitable tank-style heater drain ports.See listing and availability →
Aqua Pro 9½-inch anodePart 69717Aftermarket anode; its length alone is not proof of fitment.See listing and availability →
Aqua Pro 4½-inch anodePart 69718Shorter aftermarket anode. Confirm thread, tank model and approval.See listing and availability →
Maintenance and related parts diagrams
Before removing a tank drain fitting, shut down heating sources, allow the water to cool and release pressure. Follow the heater-specific instructions for draining, tank cleaning, anode inspection and refilling. A tank-type heater must not be operated empty.
When winterizing, confirm the water-heater bypass and antifreeze route separately; bypassing a heater does not replace draining it when required by its manufacturer.
Manufacturer maintenance references
UsedRVParts viewing and pickup, when available, are by appointment in Kelowna. Individual conditions and quantities vary.