Galvanic isolators needed in fresh water?

[Scott Bukolt]

My (presumably 17 year-old) Seaward water heater sprung a leak this weekend. As I explore replacement solutions, I find that Seaward still makes an identical model, but it appears that they only honor their warranty if you install a galvanic isolator.I've read enough in the archives and will also consult Calder, but I can't tell yet whether this is a saltwater-only issue, or whether I need one regardless of location. So: Do I need an isolater in fresh water or not? Also, I don't recall seeing one on our '85 H-34 (just purchased last fall -still discovering what it has...). Should I presume that Hunters of this vintage did not come with these?

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Yes...because the water heater can create

electrolysis that will eat through the anodizing in the tank if there is a high of content of certain minerals in the water. (I know WHAT happens, but I'm not expert in this area to know WHY it happens...I just know it does). A water heater that has a glass inner tank has a replaceable anode inside it which eliminates the need for a galvanic isolator.

 

[David Mullenax]

Sure it's the Tank?

Scott, I just finished replacing the Seaward 6 gallon tank on my '85 H34. Now that the job is done, I really don't think it was the tank that was leaking after all. I'm sure it was just the gray plastic fittings leaking and the water was running down the tank behind the insulation and then draining out of the housing at the bottom. My suggestion would be to replace the fittings first (you're probably going to replace them anyway with the new tank).I got rid of the gray plastic and used two 3" brass nipples from Home Depot (long enough nipples to get a pipe wrench on). Then I also replaced the plastic lines coming from under the sink. I used 2 30" steel braided faucet hoses for those. The flexible lines made it a lot easier to tip the tank up on end to reduce spillage.During my purchase of the tank, I spoke to a representative from Seaward and he said that 99.9% of the tanks that they get returned for leaking, aren't leaking.Another bonus for NOT replacing the tank is that you don't have to deal with the antifreeze end of the tank at all (YUK, I hate antifreeze on my hands) Good Luck.

 

[David Mullenax]

Oh, as to your original question....

I had no idea what they were talking about as far as galvanic isolators. I just replaced the tank with the same model. Like you said, it lasted 17 years that way, and that's good enough for me.

 

[Peter Roach]

My dad just bought an Aluminum 28' boat

so I have recently become a Cliffy Claven on Galvanic Corrosion. The short answer is YES you still need one on the water tank in fresh water. If you want to know more click on the link below.