In trying to drain my water heater, I was unable to get any water to drain out. So, I did what I could to chip away at what ever the clog was, to no avail. I then had to remove the spigot itself to be able to get easier access to the clog. Spigot was fine. Then, I ended up chipping away at the drainway itself, because there was no exit path there for water to drain out. Ok, by now, I'm getting upset with a project that should have been so easy! Whatever it was inside was like "dried Adhesive Caulk"... I ended up pulling it out! Once I got it out, I found that it was some sort of "Insert" belonging to that drain, but it had (on the outer end), melted so badly that it had formed a clogged mess. I'm now worrying that I may need that part? Which I did not put back, due to advice (that it would be fine) without. Is it fine without that piece in it? Is it dangerous? Did it possibly do something like a radiator cap does for a radiator, like control the heat pressure? Do you know what the name of the part is, and it's function? I am really lame at this stuff, so I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks suzi