water heater or bilge sprinkler

[dparilla]

So, filled the water tanks today. Flushed everything thoroughly turned on the hot water tanks fill valve and about 2 minutes later I had a beautiful jet of water streaming into the bilge. I took apart and re-taped the fittings put it back together and again a beautiful horizontal recreation of old faithful. Time for a new tank.
As I pulled it, we found the owners manual and receipts for its installation... 1998! I guess we got our money's worth out of it.

 

[jibes138]

Have you put one in before? You need to get one to fit through the hatch opening. I modified a raritan by cutting away some of the plastic. Flange and it slid right in. Did you drain your tank and pour anti freeze in it?

 

[dparilla]

Been pumped dry for winterization for the last 11 years. I believe it actually failed before the end of last season, but I was hopeful that it was a bad fitting and not a cracked tank. Once I removed it, there was plenty of rust residue and when I drained the tank tons of sediment from many seasons of use. Looks like a 3 inch split starting in between the inlet and outlet. Our lazarette is already notched to fit a Raritan 6 gallon tank and since that was what had been installed, that is what will be going back in. I already have two spare anodes for it. If this new one lasts as long as the old, we will be in great shape.

 

[DannyS]

Let us know what tank you go with, part # and where you got it. I'm just waiting for mine to do the same. Dave, was your replacement identical to the original?

 

[jibes138]

I had a raritan originally, then put in Superstor (sp?) that had similar size and shape, then that one started leaking so I put in a raritan again. I drain it every year then fill with antifreeze above to top of the lower fitting. We only get a few nights a year of single digits but the tank cost 600 plus

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Once I removed it, there was plenty of rust residue and when I drained the tank tons of sediment from many seasons of use. Looks like a 3 inch split starting in between the inlet and outlet. I already have two spare anodes for it. If this new one lasts as long as the old, we will be in great shape.

Had to ask ................ is this a steel water tank ?

 

[dparilla]

Mine is a Raritan glass lined tank. 17 years on it. Replacing it with the same Raritan tank. Not cheap, but considering my house in Maine has blown through two tanks in as many years, I will stick with what worked. If anyone has good data to the contrary, please let me know.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Dan, our anecdotal info is that these guys last anywhere from 10-15 years. I installed out third one last year. 1986-1998-2014 Good choice for a heater. Good luck.

Someone will eventually say Isotemp (Isotherm?), but sometimes space constraints and cost get in the way.

 

[DannyS]

Ahhh, I misunderstood. I thought your water tank sprung a leak.

 

[jibes138]

I think Peggy said raritan is glass lined. This always starts a big fight with her and mainesail best to leave it alone. My experience is like stu you get what you pay for

 

[dparilla]

Done. New tank installed. Engine coolant burped, leak free hot water... Oh yeah! Time for some rum