Can't remove drain plug from heater, am I safe?

[joeypools]

I'm not exactly sure what type of heater this was (I think Pentair natural gas), but I could not get this drain plug out for the life of me. It's a metal bolt. I soaked it with PB blast to try to loosen it but it only continued to strip. I blew the water out of the heater with a Cyclone. I also filled up the heater with antifreeze. Do you think I am safe leaving this plug in? I really don't know what other options I have but to try to drill and extract but don't want to if not necessary. See photo. Thanks!

 

[borjis]

as long as you blew out the lines and all the water came out, I would think thats ok.

Why not just leave it empty though?

 

[JamesW]

Try some vise grips on the plug.

 

[joeypools]

as long as you blew out the lines and all the water came out, I would think thats ok.

Why not just leave it empty though?

Just for safe measures, I guess. I've called heater manufacturers before and they've recommended it

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No luck with vice grips

 

[JamesW]

What heater model?

 

[Arizonarob]

Heat up the bolt with a torch, then tap the head a couple times with a hammer, then try removing it with the vice grips.

 

[sktn77a]

I would do your best to get it out and let any residual water drain out. I found out the hard way.......... any water in there will freeze and expand and have no problem cracking those cast iron heat exchanger manifolds!