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Cdburrow · 09-02-2022, 09:58 AM

I am changing the electric heating element in my GCH10A-4E water heater because the electric connection head corroded off so the element no longer worked. I took out the heater to get the old element out because it was impossible to get an impact wrench on the element with the heater installed. I finally got the element removed and was flushing out the tank when I discovered something rattling around in the tank. It appears to be some kind of shield that has fallen off inside the tank. Does anyone know what it is and whether it will cause a problem if I just ignore it? It is too big to come out unless I can somehow break it up. It appears to have 2 about one inch round holes and is about 3 inches long with a curved solid side and open on the other side and made out of thin sheet metal either aluminum or galvanized steel. It is hard to see into the small hole and also shine a light into the same hole.

Clint Burrow

Gary RVRoamer · 09-02-2022, 12:52 PM

Can't imagine what it might be, but shouldn't hurt anything if it's has been inside the tank all along. If it won't come out, the only alternative is a replacement tank and that's well over $300 plus your labor.

Ray,IN · 09-02-2022, 06:19 PM

Part of the heating element?? is the only thing it might be. It would not be steel in an Atwood aluminum tank.

Old-Biscuit · 09-02-2022, 06:52 PM

With water heater removed from RV and element removed from tank you should be able to turn tank upside down and let the piece fall into the opening for the element then grab it with needle nose pliers.

Hole for element is 1 14/" Diameter.

From your description what you see is most likely a 'dip' tube that has broken off.
Dip tube for cold inlet points downward to direct in coming water towards bottom of tank and help create a temperature zone
Dip tube for hot outlet points upward so hottest water at top of tank is drawn off when you open a faucet

Cold dip tube missing......incoming water will easily mix with heated water diluting the overall temp.....temperature zone disrupted
Hot dip tube missing.....hot water still flows out but can be slightly diluted. Not as much as if cold dip tube missing.

Not replaceable.......built into tank before the two halves are welded together.
*Suburban uses plastic dip tubes installed from exterior

Cdburrow · 09-02-2022, 08:10 PM

Thanks for the replies. I suspect OB's dip tube idea is right. I agree that I could grap it with a needle nose. I was able to grab it with my finger but i am doubtful I can bend it enough to get it out. It is significantly bigger than the hole. I'll probably just leave it. It may have been loose in there for awhile and i haven't really had a problem with the water being cold. The electric element hasn't worked for awhile and i just now finally decided to try to get it working again.

Clint Burrow

Old-Biscuit · 09-02-2022, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdburrow

Thanks for the replies. I suspect OB's dip tube idea is right. I agree that I could grap it with a needle nose. I was able to grab it with my finger but i am doubtful I can bend it enough to get it out. It is significantly bigger than the hole. I'll probably just leave it. It may have been loose in there for awhile and i haven't really had a problem with the water being cold. The electric element hasn't worked for awhile and i just now finally decided to try to get it working again.

Clint Burrow

I would TRY to remove it.
Bouncing around inside tank whacking the element could break/chip element causing it to short out