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Jeff1953's avatar
Jeff1953
Explorer
Jun 30, 2019

Water heater question

I have a 2005 Itasca Suncruiser 38R. I noticed that I had a leak in the supply line behind the water heater. In the process of removing the water heater, I accidentally broke some of the Styrofoam that surrounds it. I'm thinking of just going ahead and replacing it, since it's dated 2002. Before I do, however, I was wondering what material they use in the water heaters? Is it aluminum? If so, I may not need to replace the entire unit if I can repair the Styrofoam. I may go ahead and replace the electric element if I decide to keep it, to avoid having to remove it again in the near future. the model is Atwood GCH10A-4E. It has the heat exchanger built into it. Has anyone done this or is it just better to go ahead and get a new unit? Thanks in advance.

14 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    My 2005 Atwood developed leaks, about 100 of 'em (pin hole size) and I was able to replace JUST THE TANK.. I also replaced the 1500 watt element with a 375 watt one (1500 at 240 volts = 375 at 120) so I do not trip 30 amp park breakers as quickly .

    You can just (As someone said) tape or if you have glue that does not "Eat" the stuff gule it back in place

    New tank came with new insulation. new element, New mounting hardware. everythign I needed about 200 bucks as I recall but.. that memory is old.
  • Atwood uses an aluminum tank

    Styrofoam is just an insulation that surrounds the tank

    Element is a 120V AC 1400W 'standard' water heater element
    Located under the protective cover on backside of tank
    Requires a thin-walled 1 1/2" socket to unscrew the element for removal
    New element/new gasket (most any hardware store)

    The DC/AC Relay that triggers the 120V AC to the element is under that cover also.

    SO remove the DC Fuse for water heater AND open the 120V AC circuit breaker before removing the cover
  • I believe the Atwood water heater tank is aluminum. As far as repairing the styrofoam(?) perhaps you can use a can of spray foam available at Home Depot. Use the spray foam for around windows since it fills the gap but does not expand and pushing things apart.
  • You should be able to duct tape the styrofoam back in place. It is just insulation for the tank which is most likely stainless steel. I wouldn't replace the water heater till it's bad. The electric heating elements do work nice in the tank.
    Brian