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10-22-2023, 07:43 AM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Florence
Posts: 82
M.O.C. #29530
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buildup of water deposits on anode insert threads
on our '21 3231ck we have a pretty bad case of mineral deposits on the anode insert threads for the 12 gal water heater. this said i could buy the 30% cleaning vinegar at home depot and basically have a gallon left minus 5 tablespoons, or my thought was to use apple cider vinegar on a paper towel at the opening and let sit for 5 minutes, then use a small wire brush to scrub away the deposits.
has anyone else had this problem, and how did you rectify?
r-
__________________
[2018 Ford F250 SuperDuty w/6.7ltr - B&W Patriot 18K - 2021 Montana 3231CK
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10-22-2023, 08:13 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,478
M.O.C. #23668
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I've used steel wool. I just stuck some into the opening then used my finger to swipe it around the threads a bit. It worked pretty well. I didn't over work it so it would leave pieces of steel wool in the tank. Just a few good swipes then a new piece.
That and new plumbers tape and it hasn't leaked yet.
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Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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10-22-2023, 08:29 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,199
M.O.C. #6433
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I used a 3/4" NPT tap to clean the threads. Run it in just enough to clean the threads. Not enough to enlarge or extend the threads.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Drill-Am...E&gclsrc=aw.ds
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Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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10-22-2023, 09:22 AM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Olmsted Falls
Posts: 220
M.O.C. #20364
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If you use steel wool, highly recommend that you take a small magnet to pick up as much small fillings as possible.
I use apple cider vinegar to clean almost everything with various diluted measures, always flush well when finished no matter what method used. Teflon tape on the threads will help keep them cleaner.
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Rick & Joyce Jones
RMC(SW) USN Ret.; AT&T Ret.
2024 3231CK, IS, 400W Solar, Slide covers, Predator Gen,, 2016 Chevy High Country 3500 Diesel Dually
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10-22-2023, 09:37 AM
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#5
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Florence
Posts: 82
M.O.C. #29530
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Our3231CK
If you use steel wool, highly recommend that you take a small magnet to pick up as much small fillings as possible.
I use apple cider vinegar to clean almost everything with various diluted measures, always flush well when finished no matter what method used. Teflon tape on the threads will help keep them cleaner.
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saying this, will the apple cider vinegar hurt the inside of the water tank if not flushed in 6 days time (were leaving on a long trip next sunday).. and how would i flush if i monty is in storage currently? Also, if particles of water deposits get into the hot water tank will be a problem?
thanks...
r-
__________________
[2018 Ford F250 SuperDuty w/6.7ltr - B&W Patriot 18K - 2021 Montana 3231CK
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10-22-2023, 09:43 AM
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#6
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Florence
Posts: 82
M.O.C. #29530
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my thoughts on the vinegar was to push a paper towel which has vinegar on it into the opening.. let the soaked paper towel stay in the opening for about 4 or 5 minutes then use the wire brush..
r-
__________________
[2018 Ford F250 SuperDuty w/6.7ltr - B&W Patriot 18K - 2021 Montana 3231CK
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10-22-2023, 10:33 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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I just changed my anode. the deposits are actually on the threads deeper than the anode threads. I just let them be
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Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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10-22-2023, 12:52 PM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Cynthiana
Posts: 207
M.O.C. #30449
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A copper tubing fitting cleaning brush does a pretty good job, use the end with the 3/4" female cleaner.
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10-22-2023, 04:35 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,732
M.O.C. #24086
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I do the same as BB-TX.
I have a 3/4" NPT tap (True Value hardware store). I clean the threads with a wire toothbrush. The run the tap in finger tight. Then give it a 1/4 turn with the wrench.
You DONT want to go all the way through. This is a tapered fit hole to make it water tight under heat and pressure.
Then I use a Camco wand and flush the tank out really good. Then I use a wet vac with a vinyl tube and vacuum out any remaining debris.
I use teflon pipe thread on the anode rod when putting it back in.
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10-22-2023, 06:12 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,970
M.O.C. #5651
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I made an almost fatal move. I too used a 'tap' and cleaned it out, but turned it way too much. Made the hole too large most of the way in.
The last 2 or 3 years I have put a LOT of tape on the anode threads and get it pretty tight. Usually I have to turn it slightly again a day later, as water is seeping out. But that seems to finally get it tight. I am waiting for the year it doesn't stop leaking!!!!!
My tank is under an 'island' in the kitchen and the sides of the island are nailed or stapled from the inside out! So I could push the siding in and eventually get at the tank but no way to reattach the sides.
__________________
Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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11-01-2023, 07:56 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Union City
Posts: 104
M.O.C. #32153
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I agree with Jeffba, I just cleaned my HW Tank and noticed the build-up on the treads. I let it be and then put the anode rod back with new plumber's tape. The threads of the anode rod did not come close to the deposits!
However, if you want to clean the threads, or soak them, then vinegar or apple cider vinegar is the way to go o clean hardwater deposits. Wont hurt the tank and it won't hurt you!
Cheers
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11-02-2023, 04:54 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 2,152
M.O.C. #25165
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In addition to the vinegar, I've used a green scrubbie pad like you wash dishes with.
Not sure what they're called, but my wife wasn't happy I took it. Worked well though and no steel wool to leave shavings.
__________________
Robert & Diana McNeal
2019 Montana Legacy 3791RD 20th Anniversary Edition
2014 F350 4x4 6.7L SRW
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