Long metal stick in heater header where I removed drain plug

[russell2415]

In Austin and out of fear of losing power, I pulled all the drains plugs I could, opened the diverters, and allowed the pool equipment to drain as best I could. As I finished unscrewing the drain plug in the heater header, I noticed this metal stick fall into the snow.

What is it?

Is it in okay condition? (looks damaged)

Which direction does it go back in?

Need to figure this out and get a new back pressure gauge before I figure out if anything is damaged.

Thanks!

 

[JamesW]

It was part of the relief valve that you were pointing to in the first picture.

Camco Temperature and Pressure Valve - 1/2 in. with 4 in. Probe, 150 PSI Bilingual 10423 - The Home Depot

Camco's 1/2 in. Temperature and Pressure Valve with 4 in. Probe will help protect your RV water heater from excessive temperature and water pressure. It's factory set at 150 PSI and crafted with no gaskets

www.homedepot.com

 

[russell2415]

Thank you James. I'll get a new assembly to replace.