Weird water heater issue

silverbullet18 · 11-13-2016, 10:33 AM

Was trying to rinse out Atwood water heater with one of those plastic wands and it all of the sudden snapped off at the base and is now inside my water heater. Can't see it or feel it and not sure what to do. Don't know if it would hurt to just leave it in.

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**hankpage** · 11-13-2016, 10:43 AM

If it were me, I would leave it. Even if it melted on the element (not likely) the only damage it would do is possibly make it difficult to change the element in the future. Chances are it will just remain in there and not do anything. JM2¢, Hank

Tbos · 11-13-2016, 04:37 PM

Did you refill it with water and see if it would flush it out? Be prepared to get wet.

silverbullet18 · 11-13-2016, 05:39 PM

I didn't fill it all the way. I stuck my finger in the hole and let it fill some and I couldn't get it to come out. How are these made? It seems like there is a drop off on the inside. How do they drain all the water if it drops off. Also is the heating element at the bottom of the tank? Not sure if it's safe to leave in there

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BOWWOW · 11-13-2016, 05:46 PM

Is the broken piece small enough to get sucked into a water line and cause more issues?
As mentioned above I would at least try to flush it out.

slow · 11-13-2016, 05:51 PM

If an Atwood, it is shaped like this (cross section): http://bryantrv.com/images/whtank2.png

The tank looks like this (pictures shows it on end, not laying with the axis of the cylinder horizontal as it is as installed): https://www.amazon.com/Atwood-91412-.../dp/B0007WU0HY

The 120Vac heating element is mounted mid height of the tank (scroll down to just before the part list): http://beamalarm.com/Documents/atwoo...eshooting.html

My guess is that with the wand piece at the bottom of the tank, the heating element mid height and the hot water outlet at the top, the risks of leaving the piece in the tank is negligible. But I would try flushing it out for peace of mind.

roadglide · 11-13-2016, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverbullet18

Was trying to rinse out Atwood water heater with one of those plastic wands and it all of the sudden snapped off at the base and is now inside my water heater. Can't see it or feel it and not sure what to do. Don't know if it would hurt to just leave it in.

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I use 3/4 clear rubber hose with a grommet and taped to one of my wet dry vacs extensions to clean my water heater. I would try the sucking method mention in another reply. I know with water in the heater will pressure up to what ever the pump puts out remove the plug be prepared for a socking.

silverbullet18 · 11-13-2016, 06:32 PM

The entire plastic piece of this pic is what broke off.

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**JRTJH** · 11-13-2016, 07:04 PM

I would be inclined to just leave it in the heater and not be concerned. If, however, you are not so inclined, you might consider taking a 24" piece of solid copper wire (a ground wire from some 12 ga Romex, for example) and form it into a hook. Use that to try fishing the plastic up to the drain hole and then use some needle nose pliers to grip it. Wrap the copper wire around the plastic so it will be more secure and then slide the plastic toward one end or the other. Once you're near the end, you should be able to turn it while gripping with the needle nose pliers and then pull it out. It's going to be a "very TEDIOUS" undertaking, so rather then kneeling on the ground, you might as well make yourself comfortable by finding an appropriate height stool or chair. Good Luck !!!!!

**chuckster57** · 11-13-2016, 07:22 PM

I used a flexible shaft camera when I cleaned my previous fifth wheel. Maybe borrow one and take a look. I use it a lot to look into engine cylinders and such. Harbor freight has a cheap one if you want to go that route.

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