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Tuzlo's avatar
Tuzlo
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016

unknown substance in HW tank

Yesterday I winterized my fifth. When I purged the HW tank I removed the anode and with the water out came a semi clear jelly like substance, what is it?
  • Sport45 wrote:
    Sounds like a bacterial growth to me. There are slime-formers that tend to congregate. I'd treat the tank with a dilute bleach solution and rinse well before putting it back in service.


    This. One source of non-toxic bacteria (and it's slime) accumulation is iron bacteria.

    It might help prevent future problems by using water from the hot water faucets.....even if it is not HOT.....to refresh what's in the tank.
  • Sounds like a bacterial growth to me. There are slime-formers that tend to congregate. I'd treat the tank with a dilute bleach solution and rinse well before putting it back in service.