Gas heater...FYI

I have a Jandy Lite 2 natural gas heater...Mod# LG175N.....I figured I'd get it started today; only to find my drain plugs wouldn't screw in due to rust and stripped threads on the inside.. I'm thinking Oh sh*t!!! Please ...I can't afford a new one..(5-6 yo)..Called Jandy....They said "find a local tool and die guy"... I thought it would be costly; but better than buying a new one..Guy comes out and "taps" them..(3).........He says TEN BUCKS....I'M A HAPPY MAN...I said here's $15...Buy a beer on me...I'm singing Pharelle's song HAPPY all day long.........