Hot Water Heater or Water Pump

[Reldma]

I need to replace the hot water heater because the lining is coming lose, but did not get to it before I covered it this fall. My question is! Is there a screen in the hot water heater or before the water pump that would catch the lining material before it gets to the water pump? We are planning on heading south early 2013 and wondered if we could use the hot water heater in route if we don't have a city water connection before I replace the tank when we get to warmer weather?
I am only going to replace it with gas only since the TM is a 1999 and the savings doesn't seem to be worth the additional work and cost. Another question I have is there any difference in the Atwood and Suburban tanks? These camper tanks seem kind of pricey for what they are! You could almost buy a hot water tank for a home for the same price. I guess that is supply and demand.
Thanks for your help.
Ray

[scrubjaysnest]

What makes you think it is lining and not just lime or calcium build up in the tank. I'd pull the drain plug and flush everything out real good. This assumes the tank doesn't leak which maybe the only reason to replace it.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by Reldma

I need to replace the hot water heater because the lining is coming lose,... Is there a screen in the hot water heater or before the water pump that would catch the lining material before it gets to the water pump?
Ray

Ray -

You are in luck - maybe! Take a look at the plumbing arrangement in my Tech Stuff album at

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...&pictureid=435

You will see that water flows through the pump first, followed by the water heater further downstream. If the water heater is shedding glass particles, they won't end up in the pump. But they likely will end up in the hot water faucets, perhaps causing damage to the valve seats and washers, before being caught in the screens on the faucets.

I suppose you might consider installing a quickie in-line filter at the water heater outlet. Shouldn't be too hard, or at least not in the same class of difficulty as removing and replacing the heater itself.

Bill

[T and C]

Bill,

I just looked at your pics in your tech stuff album. GREAT!

I will make a copy of your fill device this week.

Thanks,

Tom

[Reldma]

Thanks Bill the schematic it is a great help and answers all of my questions. Do you mind if I print a copy of the water system schematic?
Schrubjaysnest when I pulled the anode rod to drain the tank this fall calcium and what looks like epoxy paint pieces came out. I flushed the tank till it appeared that nothing else was going to come out.
For 2 or 3 days I think we will just play it safe and camp the old fashion way and heat the hot water we need.
Ray