While working on modifications to my camper (2002 NL), I've noticed that the thin styrofoam insulation around the hot water heater has cracked along the top of the tank. Also, the insulation joint along the side of the tank looks like it has opened up. It appears that the shell of the tank has expanded to create this separation in the insulation. I've read in one post on this subject that there may be a glass lining in the Suburban water tanks that can break if the tank freezes.
Is the separation in the insulation an indication of a tank that has frozen? And, if I'm not getting any leaks now, should I be concerned about any potential damage to the tank?
Bob
* This post was
edited 11/06/09 12:42pm by MTBob *
That insulation is not very sturdy.....so cracks are not uncommon. As mentioned, if it's not leaking, don't worry about it.
It could have been frozen at one time, but if it didn't crack or start to leak, it is probably nothing more than when a water bottle freezes, but doesn't rupture.....you got lucky!
If you can, put some duct tape over the cracks in the insulation, and keep an eye out for any leaks, but again, I think you are fine!
happy Camping!
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I finally got a photo of the cracked insulation on the hot water heater. Does this look normal? I'm not sure what the interior of the tank is made of, but I've read something about these tanks having a ceramic or glass lining. Is that true? If so, does this separation in the insulation indicate cracking in the tank lining. At this point I haven't seen any indications of leaking.
MTBob wrote: I finally got a photo of the cracked insulation on the hot water heater. Does this look normal? I'm not sure what the interior of the tank is made of, but I've read something about these tanks having a ceramic or glass lining. Is that true? If so, does this separation in the insulation indicate cracking in the tank lining. At this point I haven't seen any indications of leaking.
Looks like a typical installation to me. If no leaks and the heater works don't sweat it.
If it's a Suburban WH, (which I think yours is) it has a porcelain lining. If it's an Atwood, the tank is aluminum. If your tank has expanded for whatever reason, then yes, the porcelain is probably cracked. I would think you would know it pretty quickly though, due to the fact that the tank is steel under the porcelain, and it will start rusting. I'd just keep an eye on it.
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Hey, Bob. We have the same camper (2 years difference) but your heater looks like its mounted 90 degrees from the way mine is mounted. Mine is an Atwood G6A-8E. Here are some pictures of my water heater when I did the Hott Rod mod.
Have you looked under the insulation to see what kind of shape the tank is in?
I agree with some of the other replies in that if it's not leaking and heating the water not to worry about it but on the other hand if you look under the insulation and there are any cracks at all I would be worried that it would only be a matter of time before it would turn into a leak when the tank gets pressurized.
The heater is a Suburban SW6D, 6 Gal. I've just refilled the water system to pressurize a number of new fittings associated with a new accumulator tank and faucet I've installed. So, I'll drain the system and check the tank interior. I'll also see how the tank exterior looks under the insulation. It may take a while to get to that since I'm in the middle of a number of other mods.
If this HWH happens to be FUBAR'd then which model of heater is preferred, Suburban or Atwood? Adding an electric supplemental heater might be handy, though most of our camping is boondocking. I'll have to give that some thought, I doubt running our generator to make hot water is all that efficient.
Personally, MTBob, if you want the electric option, I'd just upgrade to the propane/electric combo unit that Suburban makes. We did this upgrade not too long ago to my parents rig, and also went to the pilot light model (You can adjust the tank temperature on it vs the DSI which you can't).
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NRALIFR wrote: If it's a Suburban WH, (which I think yours is) it has a porcelain lining. If it's an Atwood, the tank is aluminum. If your tank has expanded for whatever reason, then yes, the porcelain is probably cracked. I would think you would know it pretty quickly though, due to the fact that the tank is steel under the porcelain, and it will start rusting. I'd just keep an eye on it.
Ever since new in 03 mine's been flushing out little coffee grind sized rust particles. Never had a problem. Just had to remount the W/H to the camper so it would not leak rain like it was is the only problem.
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