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Water heater debris [message #160081]

Sun, 12 February 2012 14:35

sgltrac

Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011

Karma: 1

Senior Member

I had my water heater out for body and paint and am currently preparing to re install it. The heater is not the oem and is a recycled unit from sob. While pressure testing it I heard debris tumbling inside of it. This is what I was able to extract out the drain hole while shaking and flowing compressed air through tank. Is this stuff just minerals from hard water or broken down aluminum?? I tested to 70psi with no leaks. A lot otf this stuff came out.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=42642&title=water-heater-debris&cat=500

Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.

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Re: Water heater debris [message #160085 is a reply to message #160081]

Sun, 12 February 2012 14:54

Bob de Kruyff

Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ

Karma: 1

Senior Member

sgltrac wrote on Sun, 12 February 2012 13:35

That's about what came out of my original water heater. I think it was almost all calcium build-up and similar to what I get out of my home water heater. I wouldn't worry about it, in fact I would feel good that you got that mmuch out!

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ

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Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris [message #160089 is a reply to message #160081]

Sun, 12 February 2012 15:44

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Sully,

That appears to be "calcium" buildup from the water that's gone through the tank. Couple of suggestions if your water heater is
electric:

1) remove the heating element and you'll have a large hole to look in to check the overall condition
2) there is a chemical called CLR that will dissolve the calcium, HOWEVER, I don't know if it is compatible with aluminum!
3) here's a couple of threads I found with Google:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/5026-how-remove-calcium-water-heater.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limescale

I would try and clean it out so you can see what shape the tank is in. When I bought Double Trouble it had been sitting for a number
of years. The area around the water heater was wet but I couldn't find any leaks. When I removed it I found that the tank had
corroded so badly it was porous.

Regards,
Rob M.

PS - your workmanship on the rear suspension system / brakes looks great!

-----Original Message-----
From: sgltrac

I had my water heater out for body and paint and am currently preparing to re install it. The heater is not the oem and is a
recycled unit from sob. While pressure testing it I heard debris tumbling inside of it. This is what I was able to extract out the
drain hole while shaking and flowing compressed air through tank. Is this stuff just minerals from hard water or broken down
aluminum?? I tested to 70psi with no leaks. A lot otf this stuff came out.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=42642&title=water-heater-debris&cat=500
--
Sully

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris [message #160091 is a reply to message #160085]

Sun, 12 February 2012 15:52

Gary Worobec

Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005

Karma: -1

Senior Member

The best way to get that stuff out is to heat the water up and then with the
pump on remove the zinc anode. Stand back . All the white stuff just blasts
out.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob de Kruyff" <NEXT2POOL@AOL.COM>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 12:54 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris

>
>
> sgltrac wrote on Sun, 12 February 2012 13:35
>> I had my water heater out for body and paint and am currently preparing
>> to re install it. The heater is not the oem and is a recycled unit from
>> sob. While pressure testing it I heard debris tumbling inside of it. This
>> is what I was able to extract out the drain hole while shaking and
>> flowing compressed air through tank. Is this stuff just minerals from
>> hard water or broken down aluminum?? I tested to 70psi with no leaks. A
>> lot otf this stuff came out.
>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=42642&title=water-heater-debris&cat=500
>
> That's about what came out of my original water heater. I think it was
> almost all calcium build-up and similar to what I get out of my home water
> heater. I wouldn't worry about it, in fact I would feel good that you got
> that mmuch out!
> --
> Bob de Kruyff
> 78 Eleganza
> Chandler, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris [message #160093 is a reply to message #160091]

Sun, 12 February 2012 15:56

sgltrac

Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Thanks Rob. It is a gas only unit and seems to hold pressure.
Where is the "zinc anode" and what does it look like Gary??

Sully
77 royale
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Gary Worobec" <gtw5@earthlink.net>
Sender: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:52:43
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Reply-To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris

The best way to get that stuff out is to heat the water up and then with the
pump on remove the zinc anode. Stand back . All the white stuff just blasts
out.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob de Kruyff" <NEXT2POOL@AOL.COM>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 12:54 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris

>
>
> sgltrac wrote on Sun, 12 February 2012 13:35
>> I had my water heater out for body and paint and am currently preparing
>> to re install it. The heater is not the oem and is a recycled unit from
>> sob. While pressure testing it I heard debris tumbling inside of it. This
>> is what I was able to extract out the drain hole while shaking and
>> flowing compressed air through tank. Is this stuff just minerals from
>> hard water or broken down aluminum?? I tested to 70psi with no leaks. A
>> lot otf this stuff came out.
>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=42642&title=water-heater-debris&cat=500
>
> That's about what came out of my original water heater. I think it was
> almost all calcium build-up and similar to what I get out of my home water
> heater. I wouldn't worry about it, in fact I would feel good that you got
> that mmuch out!
> --
> Bob de Kruyff
> 78 Eleganza
> Chandler, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.

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Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris [message #160098 is a reply to message #160093]

Sun, 12 February 2012 16:02

Gary Worobec

Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005

Karma: -1

Senior Member

Hi, Is your water heater an Attwood or Suburban?. If so you ought to see a 1
1/8" pipe plug on the bottom of the tank as you open the door. This plug has
a 10" long sacrifical zinc anode on it to prevent galvanic action from
eating the aluminum tank. If it is an OEM GMC tank in the rear of the coach
I'm not sure if they came with an anode. I took my OEM tank out a long time
ago and went with straight propane.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: <sgltrac@gmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 1:56 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris

> Thanks Rob. It is a gas only unit and seems to hold pressure.
> Where is the "zinc anode" and what does it look like Gary??
>
> Sully
> 77 royale
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Gary Worobec" <gtw5@earthlink.net>
> Sender: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:52:43
> To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
> Reply-To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris
>
> The best way to get that stuff out is to heat the water up and then with
> the
> pump on remove the zinc anode. Stand back . All the white stuff just
> blasts
> out.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gary and Joanne Worobec
> 1973 GMC Glacier
> Anza, CA
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bob de Kruyff" <NEXT2POOL@AOL.COM>
> To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 12:54 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris
>
>
>>
>>
>> sgltrac wrote on Sun, 12 February 2012 13:35
>>> I had my water heater out for body and paint and am currently preparing
>>> to re install it. The heater is not the oem and is a recycled unit from
>>> sob. While pressure testing it I heard debris tumbling inside of it.
>>> This
>>> is what I was able to extract out the drain hole while shaking and
>>> flowing compressed air through tank. Is this stuff just minerals from
>>> hard water or broken down aluminum?? I tested to 70psi with no leaks. A
>>> lot otf this stuff came out.
>>>
>>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=42642&title=water-heater-debris&cat=500
>>
>> That's about what came out of my original water heater. I think it was
>> almost all calcium build-up and similar to what I get out of my home
>> water
>> heater. I wouldn't worry about it, in fact I would feel good that you got
>> that mmuch out!
>> --
>> Bob de Kruyff
>> 78 Eleganza
>> Chandler, AZ
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: Water heater debris [message #160102 is a reply to message #160081]

Sun, 12 February 2012 16:43

RadioActiveGMC

Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert

Karma: 0

Senior Member

I've got to remove my water heater this week since I don't need it anymore. Now I'm wondering what I'll find in mine!

***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia- Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"

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Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris [message #160108 is a reply to message #160102]

Sun, 12 February 2012 17:13

mickeysss

Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012

Karma: 0

Senior Member

what is the best instant h2o water heater lpg deal going to anyone that may have experience. I see one picture where
the person actually put it in the shower on the wall next to the shower looks like in the shower almost. I am very interested
in a sun heated water heater in the roof pod with a window in it to heat a water tank in the pod with gravity feed. But
also put in an instant lpg one. I like the idea of hot water radiant heat as a heater as well. these are all capable of being
one system of comfort. The roof tank can be drained when in motion, and only the lower tank used with lpg.
I thank everyone for allowing me to participate as well. thank you, i enjoy all of the communication, thank you... :-)
I am learning a lot from this and it is very exciting to get a lot of this great information. off to work now, m.

I am interested in, new front end rebuild, alcoa or light weight rims, 16 inch tires, lpg gas h20, i have done the bags,
windows, brake booster, steering sleeve, if anyone can help with these, i am interested in this info as well.

I think miguel can help me do all this. But the most info the better. thank you. <3

On Feb 12, 2012, at 2:43 PM, Michael wrote:

>
>
> I've got to remove my water heater this week since I don't need it anymore. Now I'm wondering what I'll find in mine!
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris [message #160112 is a reply to message #160098]

Sun, 12 February 2012 18:01

sgltrac

Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Its an Attwood

But all its got inside the door is a 1/2" plastic drain plug. Not oem. Propane only and now that its sealed up and back in the wall I'm gonna run her

Sully
77 royale
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Gary Worobec" <gtw5@earthlink.net>
Sender: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:02:16
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Reply-To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris

Hi, Is your water heater an Attwood or Suburban?. If so you ought to see a 1
1/8" pipe plug on the bottom of the tank as you open the door. This plug has
a 10" long sacrifical zinc anode on it to prevent galvanic action from
eating the aluminum tank. If it is an OEM GMC tank in the rear of the coach
I'm not sure if they came with an anode. I took my OEM tank out a long time
ago and went with straight propane.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: <sgltrac@gmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 1:56 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris

> Thanks Rob. It is a gas only unit and seems to hold pressure.
> Where is the "zinc anode" and what does it look like Gary??
>
> Sully
> 77 royale
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Gary Worobec" <gtw5@earthlink.net>
> Sender: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:52:43
> To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
> Reply-To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris
>
> The best way to get that stuff out is to heat the water up and then with
> the
> pump on remove the zinc anode. Stand back . All the white stuff just
> blasts
> out.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gary and Joanne Worobec
> 1973 GMC Glacier
> Anza, CA
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bob de Kruyff" <NEXT2POOL@AOL.COM>
> To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 12:54 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris
>
>
>>
>>
>> sgltrac wrote on Sun, 12 February 2012 13:35
>>> I had my water heater out for body and paint and am currently preparing
>>> to re install it. The heater is not the oem and is a recycled unit from
>>> sob. While pressure testing it I heard debris tumbling inside of it.
>>> This
>>> is what I was able to extract out the drain hole while shaking and
>>> flowing compressed air through tank. Is this stuff just minerals from
>>> hard water or broken down aluminum?? I tested to 70psi with no leaks. A
>>> lot otf this stuff came out.
>>>
>>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=42642&title=water-heater-debris&cat=500
>>
>> That's about what came out of my original water heater. I think it was
>> almost all calcium build-up and similar to what I get out of my home
>> water
>> heater. I wouldn't worry about it, in fact I would feel good that you got
>> that mmuch out!
>> --
>> Bob de Kruyff
>> 78 Eleganza
>> Chandler, AZ
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.

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Re: Water heater debris [message #160116 is a reply to message #160102]

Sun, 12 February 2012 18:30

Dennis S

Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005

Karma: 2

Senior Member

Mr.RadioActive wrote on Sun, 12 February 2012 16:43

I've got to remove my water heater this week since I don't need it anymore. Now I'm wondering what I'll find in mine!

Michael,

Probably easiet to remove the water heater if you take out the rear wall panel of the bathroom module. I have the wall panel out now if you need any pictures.

Dennis

Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro

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Re: Water heater debris [message #160124 is a reply to message #160081]

Sun, 12 February 2012 19:13

RadioActiveGMC

Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Oh thank you! But its no biggie. Most of my bathroom is ripped apart already. Yesterday we ran the water supply runs and had to fix a drip deep behind the bathroom sink. So its all ripped apart already.

***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia- Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"

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Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris [message #160336 is a reply to message #160098]

Tue, 14 February 2012 16:11

Greg and April

Messages: 263
Registered: December 2011

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Zinc is less reactive than aluminum ( not to mention toxic in anything but
trace quantities ). Most sacrificial anodes in water heaters are
magnesium if the body is aluminum and aluminum if the body is steel ( like
home water heaters ). Magnesium is also used with steel if the local
water is soft and/or acidic.

Zinc is normally used where it's toxicity is not going to be a problem -
like exterior of boats / ships, underground tanks and pipe lines ( although
long pipeline and large underground tanks are often protected by cathodes
and a forced electrical current rather than sacrificial anodes ) .
.

Greg H.

I don't just march to the beat of my own drum - I have an entire brass band
to keep me company.

.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary Worobec" <gtw5@earthlink.net>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 15:02
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Water heater debris

> Hi, Is your water heater an Attwood or Suburban?. If so you ought to see a
> 1
> 1/8" pipe plug on the bottom of the tank as you open the door. This plug
> has
> a 10" long sacrifical zinc anode on it to prevent galvanic action from
> eating the aluminum tank. If it is an OEM GMC tank in the rear of the
> coach
> I'm not sure if they came with an anode. I took my OEM tank out a long
> time
> ago and went with straight propane.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gary and Joanne Worobec
> 1973 GMC Glacier
> Anza, CA

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