Hot Water Tank Drain Valve Leak

[Brian B]

Seaward Hot water tank model S-600. Drain valve has developed a slight leak, I have opened and closed the valve hoping to reset the seal to no avail. Replacement valve is available online for a few $$ however it is plastic. I would rather replace it with a brass valve if possible. The specs only state it is a 3/4"valve, no info on thread size. I have not attempted to remove the valve until I have a replacement on hand. Has anyone had to replace this valve and what did you use?
My other option is to remove the valve and see what I can find at a local plumbing supplier.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello Brian,

Unfortunately that water heater has been discontinued and I am not sure of who to call for support on it any longer. I have never experienced a valve leak on one of these heaters so I haven't had to fix one myself. Without tearing one apart, I don't have many ideas. I have been installing those heaters for over fifteen years so without many issues the original part might be the best to fix it with and how I would probably repair.

Best of luck!

 

[Levitation]

Assuming the pipe thread outlet on the tank is a standard plumbing size (1/2" is likely) I would expect a water heater bib valve from the hardware store would work. In a pinch you could simply change the valve to a pipe plug to stop the leak until the proper valve can be obtained.

 

[Don Cardinal]

Brian B
I googled your water heater and saw that the drain valve has a garden hose thread on the outlet of the drain. You didn't say how bad the leak was but I had this same problem on my home water heater. I screwed on a hose "cap" with washer and that was more than 10 years ago. In my case the only thing that would get wet if it failed was the garage floor. I do not know if your boat uses dock water pressure or not. If it does I would not trust any plastic valve on a boat with an endless supply of preasurized water.
Don

 

[Brian B]

Brian B
I googled your water heater and saw that the drain valve has a garden hose thread on the outlet of the drain. You didn't say how bad the leak was but I had this same problem on my home water heater. I screwed on a hose "cap" with washer and that was more than 10 years ago. In my case the only thing that would get wet if it failed was the garage floor. I do not know if your boat uses dock water pressure or not. If it does I would not trust any plastic valve on a boat with an endless supply of preasurized water.
Don

I just purchased the hose end cap today at Lowe's for $2.00, I haven't tried it yet but I think it will work. I have never used dockside water pressure.