contaminated hot water tank

[mollymae]

after returning from trip, upon draining hot water tank clear jellylike substance found on anode tube. cleaned and sanitized system replace anode tube. next trip same thing happened. what is going on???

[robo44]

It is called aluminum hydroxide. It is formed as a result of the aluminum anode (or sacrificial rod) reacting with the chemicals in the water.

[Capacitor]

Maybe replace with a magnesium rod.

[Flybob]

That is the anode rod doing its job of preventing electrolysis of the tank. It is not harmful as the components are already in the water. Depending on the chemical makeup of the water source, it can be extensive or minimal. Draining the HW tank after each trip will keep it at a minimum.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Capacitor

Maybe replace with a magnesium rod.

Most likely it is a magnesium anode rod, as that is the OE material anode rod provided with Suburban water heaters. The OP did say they replaced it though, so we have no idea if they went back with a magnesium or aluminum anode.

Video #1 at this link will explain the anodes:

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...es-135977.html

[D W]

Originally Posted by robo44

It is called aluminum hydroxide. It is formed as a result of the aluminum anode (or sacrificial rod) reacting with the chemicals in the water.

X2. As long as the anode rod is submerged in water the aluminum hydroxide will stay attached to the rod. If the rod is allowed to dry in the ambient air the gel will change to a white crystalline substance and flake off and reveal the pitting of the sacrificial rod. A magnesium anode rod will produce magnesium hydroxide in the same manner. Both aluminum and magnesium hydroxides are used in pharmaceuticals, ant-acids and cosmetics.

[mollymae]

thanks to all.