Goo In Water Heater

Marty_9

> The purpose of the anode tube is to remove that <BR>
> goo from the water and not allow it to build up <BR>
> on the tank. Most likely if the anode rod was <BR>
> completely coated you have a very hard water <BR>
> problem. <BR>
<BR>

Albert Huntermark

Goo in a water heater

Last evening I replaced a 30-gallon electric water heater that was about 12-years old, they got their money's worth! Anyway, when I went to drain it the drain valve wouldn't work, nothing unusual there. In almost 30-years of plumbing, I found it's a 50/50 chance the drain valves are plugged! Fortunately, it was only a 30-gallon tank, and located in a business that I could cart it out to the receiving lot about 15 feet away. When I got it outside, I removed the drain valve, and rodded the tap. To my surprise, it wasn't rust and sediment plugging it up, but a clear-white, odorless goo-like substance. I got about 5-gallons of the stuff out of it! I've never seen anything like it in a water heater. It got me thinking! Last winter we left a bucket of rocksalt outside and uncovered. After a rain, the salt melted partially. The goo from the water heater reminded me of the contents of the melted rocksalt in the bucket. However, the building didn't have, and never did have any water softeners or water treatment. I was curious if any of my fellow Wallies out there ever ran into this before, or any ideas? The piping that I cut into didn't have any signs of it, and the water had no strange taste or odors.

Brad White_9

When Casper the Friendly Ghost

went off the air, I wondered where he went. You may have found him.

John Starcher_4

I'm not entirely sure.....

...but I believe that it is some type of bacteria. Don't think it's toxic or harmful, just a PITA.

Starch

hr

Fairly common

usually just calcium and lime build up. Often has a blue tint to it also. If you let it dry it generally turns to white deposits that can be squeezed and break into a chaulky dust.

Test the incoming water to find out the hardness, I'll bet it fairly hard.

You might consider a softner as that build up in a tank really reduces efficiency as it coats the HX surfaces.

hot rod

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CHARLES_4

Ew goo

Seen this in ice machines as well. Calcium/mineral precip. without the firmness. Looks disgusting. Just think what fish do in that water...

[Deleted User]

water heater goo

a o smith talks about aluminum hydroxide causing goo blue/grey stuff. check www.howater.com technical bulleten#14

Paul Fredricks_3

This may be the right link.

The one above didn't work

http://www.hotwater.com/bulletin/bulletin14.pdf

JK_3

Another possability

There was also a dip tube manufacturer that produced tubes that were corroding. I found a few over the years that produced this type of buildup in the bottom of the tanks. esspecially when combined with hard water. pull out the tube and see if its still intact. If its not intact yoe may want to check your faucet aerators for some of the same substance

Larry Weingarten

Or...

... it is the corrosion byproduct from the tank having had an aluminum anode. Aluminum anodes can produce a LOT of this gelatenous goo. I've removed gallons of it.

It's one reason I prefer magnesium anodes.

Yours, Larry

ScottMP

what

did it taste like ??



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jim lockard

scott

You read my mind J.Lockard

[Deleted User]

I would bet you a dozen donuts...

that it DOES contain the bacterium associated with Legionairres disease (legionella pneumophilla).

I'd BETCHA!

ME

Albert Huntermark

On the right track.

I just returned, beating the removal of the scrap metal dumpster, with a gooed-up anode, about 1/8" in diameter, though still full length I might add! Not bad for a heater that the manufacturer confirmed was made in 1992. The goo coating the anode was the same clear bluish white substance that I drained from the heater. At this point, I am leaning to agree with you Larry, that it had an aluminum anode. (Also, SMC and Paul, the information from AO Smith hinted that as well) I emailed the manufacturer to find out for sure. I'll let ya know what I hear from them.

Albert Huntermark

Checked dip-tube

JK, the dip tube was to my surprise like a new one. Please see my reply below to Larry. Thanks for your help.

Albert Huntermark

Were my eyes deceiving me?

And I thought I was just seeing things Brad!!!! I miss the old ones like Casper, Popeye! The old cartoons were the best. Maybe it's just me, but I can't get into the new ones that my son watches!

JK_3

The purpose of the anode tube is to remove that goo from the water and not allow it to build up on the tank. Most likely if the anode rod was completely coated you have a very hard water problem.

Larry Weingarten

No, no, no!

One does not use a straw to suck out the goo! My brain would have more aluminum in it than it must already have :~O

Marty_9

> The purpose of the anode tube is to remove that

> goo from the water and not allow it to build up

> on the tank. Most likely if the anode rod was

> completely coated you have a very hard water

> problem.

Marty_9

goo

Hey all,
Do I have a website for you!!!! The Wall is the best for you heating guys to exchange ideas,led by a very competent contractor,and waterheaterrescue.com is the equivalent for water heaters. There is a forum there called "The Tank" (clever,huh?),and a large section which will help you to diagnose your goo problem yourself.If you cant,then The Tank is the place to go.
Goo-d Luck,
marty

JOHN_103

dip tube

it still maybe an old dip tube from the cold water inlet
someone might have replaced the first one

Dave F_3

My guess is there was no regular draing of the tank , and the sacrificial annode was used up . What you saw was the reminants of the annode reacting with the crud . I think regular flushing of the tank , and a new annode rode periodically would prolong your tank . Dave