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RamblinMurph's avatar
RamblinMurph
Explorer
Jan 11, 2014

Water heater out for repairs - anything else to do?

Pulled my 10 gallon water heater today to have a hole welded. I had a fitting crack which shorted the temp control and made a hole in the tank. I had the hole welded today and the repair guys suggested replacing the element and using a thermostat from a house water heater to replace the damaged sensor. After removing the tank, I found, when draining, that there was a good bit of white particulate in the tank. We removed the element which is covered with similar white "stuff". I plan on getting it back in tomorrow and wanted advice on their ideas and anything else I might should do to get this heater ready for 15 or more years of operation.

Any advise would be appreciated!
Seeking Advice
  • RamblinMurph's avatar
    RamblinMurph
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2014
    It was working fine until the fitting cracked. Only can guess, but the output water line fitting cracked right at the entry to the tank maybe due to cold weather or improperly installed. Didn't know how to get the leftover pvc out of the tank, so after talking to several people, I used a propane torch to burn it out. Got the new fitting taped and in only to find the short had made a hole. It's a '96 model and if I could get one for less that $300, I would just keep this one for a backup!
  • calamus's avatar
    calamus
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2014
    We found a replacement 10 gas/ele a couple of years ago for $239.00 I cant see as it would be worth all the trouble to fix one? How old it it?
  • JJBIRISH's avatar
    JJBIRISH
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2014
    Flush out the debris more often… I have a tool for flushing it out that helps a lot…

    Do you know what cause the fitting to crack???

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