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bob380 · Feb 6, 2009, 06:26 PM

Hi,

I installed a new 50 gal. electric water heater a few months ago. I noticed when the hot water gets turned on I can here bubbling from the tank followed by air at the tap. All went well with the install, no leaks or anything. I talked to the manufacturer about it, & they said it's probably a heating element. So I drained & replaced both even though the tank is new. BTW I know enough NOT to turn on the power until all the air is out of the tank. After all that the problem is still present. Can anyone suggest what it could be? Normal for a new tank? My old one didn't do it.

Thank,

Milo Dolezal · Feb 6, 2009, 06:35 PM

Go to the most distant plumbing fixture in your house, open h/c water and let it drain for ten minutes. See if the problem continues. Come back with the result...

bob380 · Feb 7, 2009, 06:09 AM

Thanks Milo, I'll give it a try today, & see what happens next a.m. I expect nothing will change however. Also I should mention I totally bypassed the heater in one test, & no air. So what ever is going on is related to the heater & nothing else.

Thanks,

bob380 · Feb 8, 2009, 07:13 AM

Tried your suggestion, no change this morning.

Milo Dolezal · Feb 8, 2009, 07:15 AM

Do you have hot water circulating pump installed ?

bob380 · Feb 8, 2009, 07:28 AM

No

Milo Dolezal · Feb 8, 2009, 07:29 AM

How high do you set your thermostat at the heater ?

speedball1 · Feb 8, 2009, 08:29 AM

Let's have a few more details. Is there a expansion tank on the heater? Is the heater supplied by a pump or city water? Did you leave the thermostats on the factory setting?

when the hot water gets turned on I can here bubbling from the tank followed by air at the tap.

Does this happen with all hot water faucets or just one? Bubbling from the tank! Would this be coming from the cold water supply or the hot water outlet? Give us all the details, no matter how small. Regards, Tom

bob380 · Feb 8, 2009, 08:30 AM

I should have stated I checked that, sorry. Now it's at 125, but I've had it lower to see if anything changed.

bob380 · Feb 8, 2009, 08:40 AM

Hi Speedball,

There is an expansion tank, but not part of the heater. It's cold water side near the tank. I ruled that out when I bypassed with no air from the cold side. City water, (no air on incoming water). Thermostats were factory few a few weeks. I don't recall the setting. The water isn't too hot though.

bob380 · Feb 10, 2009, 08:29 AM

Well I found the reason for the air. Has to be hydrogen sulfide from the aluminum (I think) anode rod. I removed it, & had no air for two days now. Strange that we have no smell however. Many people have the smell of rotten eggs that the gas gives off. Anyone have any experience of trying different anode rod metals ? Or the powered anode rod ? Pricy at $230. Thanks for your feedback.

Milo Dolezal · Feb 10, 2009, 08:32 AM

That's a new one... Thanks for sharing !