[Resolved] New Water Heater's Drain Valve Won't Come Out

[skeezix]

I am trying to replace the drain valve in my brand new A.O. Smith water heater that I installed three months ago. I drained the heater but the plastic drain valve won't budge. The drain valve in the old 12 years) heater came out without any problems.

Do I need to wait until the heater has cooled first? How can I remove it without breaking it?

 

[skeezix]

After refilling the heater with the gas off and waiting for 2 hours, I drained the water and was able to remove the plastic valve. That sucker was in there tight, but letting the tank cool was the secret. Now everything is back together and working with no leaks (I hope)!