Removal of Hot Water Tank

[Reldma]

I need to replace our hot water tank, because when I drained the tank yesterday along with the other junk that was in the tank something that looks like it might be the lining also came out.
My question is. After disconnecting the hot and cold water lines under the sink is there anything else holding the tank in place on the inside? I could not see anything and wondered if everything else that needs to be removed is on the outside. Am I correct?
Does anyone know if it will just slide out then?
Ray

[hillbillyhotel]

ray
not done one on a tm , but the other tt i did do ,was just the water lines inside and the rest was on the outside,was a few hrs job, not to bad.

[commodor47]

Originally Posted by Reldma

I need to replace our hot water tank, because when I drained the tank yesterday along with the other junk that was in the tank something that looks like it might be the lining also came out.
Ray

Ray,

Can you describe the 'lining' pieces you are referring too? It almost sounds like pieces of calcium or other mineral deposits that form on the water heater electric heating element. I am assuming your water heater operates on shore power or propane.

Dick

Yeah, could be something typical. When we bought ours the sacrifical anode was pretty chewed down and lots of flotsam/jetsam came out when I flushed the tank. But, once I got a clear flush and installed a new anode, it has been good to go.

Which reminds me, it's time to inspect that again.

[Reldma]

Dick I have attached a picture of what I think is the tank liner. It is purple in color and the pieces look like pieces of epoxy paint.
You mentioned the tank being electric and that reminded me of another question I had. Ours is gas only and if I should install one that is electric and gas can you tell me which circuit they added the hot water heater to. I only have 3 circuit breakers and the closes service I have is the refrigerator and wondered if that might overload that breaker.

Ray

[Reldma]

Here is the picture of the pieces that came out of the hot water heater
Ray

[ShrimpBurrito]

Ray - the tank is lined with a porcelain material, and I believe it's a blue or purplish color. It's typical for that lining to gradually deteriorate and flake off over time, thus exposing the steel tank to water, which in turn starts rusting and eventually causes a leak. It is hard to tell what that material is, but it should be easier for you to determine that if you break a piece apart. If it is indeed the porcelain, I think I would just keep an eye on it and be sure to store the tank empty. If those are indeed steel/rust flakes, I think I would replace it.....

Dave

That doesn't look anything like my debris. Mine was mostly chalky looking chunks and sludge.

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by Jim&Joan

That doesn't look anything like my debris. Mine was mostly chalky looking chunks and sludge.

That is sorta what I'm thinking. And if that is steel (which should also be attracted to a magnet), those are some decent sized pieces.

You might also consider a tankless heater. They are lighter weight (by itself, and much less weight when compared to a full tank), supposedly uses less propane, and you have an unlimited supply of hot water. Unfortunately, they don't have an electric option, they are a few hundred bucks more, and they also have a fan to induce a draft (which would consume battery power).

But something to think about:
http://www.adventurerv.net/girard-ta...r-p-27164.html

Dave

[myersm]

Has anyone ever used a chemical, like "Lime-Away" to clean the deposits from the Hot Water tank? I happen to have my tank out right now while I re-laminate my counter tops. This would be a good time to clean the tank.