Water Heater Gunk

[rgarner]

I have owned a second-hand 2004 Sunseeker 3100 for a little less than a year now. Today I decided to try to remove the anode rod and clean out the water heater tank. As many have reported this was a chore. I can 'vouch' for a 6 point (not 12) 1 1/16 socket and the use of PB Blaster penetrant. After a few soaking and attempts, I was able to ease it out. (By the way, the old anode rod was actually in decent shape, but I went ahead and replaced it.) When I used the tank wand to clean out the system, I noticed the usual calcium chunks that was expected. However, mixed in with those deposit was what appeared to be bits of something blue--it almost looked like bits of a lining of some sort. Anyone know what that might be?? Thanks!

[Slympicins]

I would go out on a limb here and say it was remnants of the plastic water line that never made it out of the system. Did any show up in your water filters?

[rgarner]

Nothing in the filter....at least not in the time I've owned it.

[Slympicins]

I would still think it could be water pipe junk that got buried in the crud that collects in all water heaters. It would make sense as blue pipe is often used for your water system.

[2012WhiteSolera]

Just a suggestion, use a little teflon tape on the anode threads, that will make it much easier to revove next time.

[rgarner]

Originally Posted by 2012WhiteSolera

Just a suggestion, use a little teflon tape on the anode threads, that will make it much easier to revove next time.

Absolutely did use Teflon tape on the new anode rod installation....apparently the previous owner did not.