[C320-list] Hot water tank

[Allan Field]

I had a TP-valve failure last year and had to remove the tank to replace the
valve.  When I did, I realized that due to the tank configuration, the last
4-5 inches of water at the bottom of the tank NEVER comes out or moves
unless you use a compressor to blow it all out (I only assume that this
works).  When I turned the tank upside down to empty the last few inches of
water, out came 3 years of foul-smelling, foul looking, sediment filled
water.  Once I finished hurling from the smell of the pond scum, I ran water
from a hose through the tank for about 2 hours with the tank right side up,
upside down, and turned to both sides.  I the filled it with water and
bleach and let it sit for a few days before rinsing again for about 2 hours
prior to reinstalling.  I now add bleach when I fill the tanks and intend to
remove the hot water heater annually to completely empty and clean it.  The
configuration of these tanks is awful.  After this, I understood Jerry
Douglas' statement that most tank failures are due to poor winterizing in
that you can't get all the water out unless you blow it out and those last
few inches will freeze.  And I would drink bath water before I would ever
drink any water than came out of these tanks!

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Columbia, MD

 
-----Original Message-----
From: C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of brer at adelphia.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 10:37 AM
To: Don
Subject: [C320-list] Hot water tank

I'm premature on this subject, but need a direction on winterization of the
water system. I just bought #165 and the boat was winterized with pink
antifreeze. The water that comes out of the hot water tank is foul, it
stinks. I think heating this stuff is what does it. I have run several tanks
through it and it is getting better. How do you guys winterize your water
system. Can I winterize the hot water tank without inducing the pink stuff
into the tank? I just want to have an idea so if I need to modify anything I
can do it when the weather is decent. Thank you,  Don