Water Heater Valve Replacement and Galvanic Corrosion Possibility

Updated 07/31/2018 | Published 07/30/2018

Question:

I have an Atwood water heater with a 1/2” plastic drain plug, but I believe the tank and threads are aluminum. Will using a brass fitting cause galvanic corrosion? If so, is there an aluminum or plastic fitting that you have that allows for easy draining? Thanks

asked by: Dan G

Expert Reply:

The Camco Water Heater Drain Valve Replacement - 1/2" # CAM11703 is a durable brass fitting as are all of our water heater drain valve replacement options. If your water heater has aluminum threads as you mentioned, we do not have a fitting that will work as brass and aluminum will have a galvanic corrosion because they are not compatible metals. Unfortunately we do not have any plastic or aluminum fittings available.

All of our water heaters are Atwood, and we don't have any that are aluminum, so I recommend checking using a magnet. Magnets will attach to steel and stainless steel, but not aluminum. If the magnet sticks you can use the brass valve, if not you will need to find an alternative option.

expert reply by: Jason S