Hi. I am a first-time RV-owner in Summer 2023. I purchased a 2017 R-Pod 179 model. As I've been learning how to operate the various features of the trailer, I determined that the water heater was not active. I have learned it can be powered by both gas and electricity. Before I tested it, I wanted to make sure it was sanitized.I removed the anode rod and the tank was bone dry inside but had a lot of mineral/hardwater deposits. After looking at the water piping behind the water heater, I could see that the bypass valves were closed to isolate the HW tank. (I learned this from John Marucci's video) I am guessing this was done in a prior year by the previous owner when they were winterizing.
I found another video on YouTube by the National RV Training Academy (Tech Tip Tuesday guy) where he showed how to use a vinegar/water solution to dissolve deposits in the tank. I did this, flushed the tank with clean water and then shop-vac'd out the residual water at the bottom of the tank which is lower than the anode rod port. What came out was all that dissolved mineral deposit and, unfortunately, I noted some flakes of the enamel coating that lines the inside of the tank. When I shined a flashlight through the anode port, the tank appeared to be mostly enamel coated except a few small spots that were rusted. I could not see the entire inside of the tank through this small port.
My questions to other R-Pod owners, it has anyone else seen this flaking of the enamel tank lining and is this something to be concerned about? I wouldn't want an enamel paint chip to exit the hot water tank and end up lodged somewhere in the Pex piping, clogging the hot water supply to one of my faucets or showers.
At this point, I haven't opened the bypass valves and filled the tank with fresh water to test whether it will actually heat water from LP gas or through the heating element. When I opened the exterior cover hatch on the water heater, the electric switch had been left on, so I'm hoping the heating element isn't toast.
Anyway, I would like to avoid having to replace the entire water heater if this one can be made to work safely. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks!
------------- ShanTheMan
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