electric water heater plastic drain valve

[Vinced]

Hello,
I'm installing a sidearm heater on my electric water heater. I notice the drain valve that I'm piping into on my water heater is plastic. Should I remove this plastic drain valve. Also what pipe thead is this drain valve? 3/4" I want to know before I shut off my water heater and drain it.
Thank you, Vince

 

[mtfallsmikey]

Yes, it is 3/4" NPT....If nothing else, replace with a brass 3/4" ball valve type drain..You'll be glad you did.

 

[Vinced]

Thats what I wanted to know. I didn't think the plastic valve would hold up to constant 180 degree water from my wood boiler.
Thank you, Vince

 

[Eric Johnson]

I always toss the plastic valve and put in a real brass one. I don't think the temps would be a problem, but I can't get my mind around the idea behind a plastic drain valve.

 

[chrisfallis]

Just last weekend I replaced my hot water heater that started leaking from the cold water supply inlet. Prior to that, the cheap _ss plastic drain valve at the bottom was leaking since I couldn't get it to shut off completely. We spent five years with a pan under that valve while it slowly dripped, dripped, dripped like a sailor after shore leave in Subic Bay. I would concur with the quality brass valve advice.