new problem never happend b4 leaked about 2 gallons .
2006-09-12 10:28:35 · 8 answers · asked by gary h 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
another water heater question...a leak means your tank is leaking period! replace it....and I'd like to know where to buy these heaters many say last 25 yrs....my last 6 heaters averaged 6-7 yrs each....yea I'm old lol
2006-09-14 12:55:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, if the water tank is old, (say about 25 years or older) then its time to replace it.
The average hot water heater will last anywhere from 10 to 25 years old, depending on the "hardness" of the water.
Some water systems, (especially well water) will corrode a hot water tank in no time, if you have the wrong "annode" in there. (you would have to check with your local water supply system and have your water tested if your on a well, take it to the Health Department and they can test it for a fee.
Then after you get the results back, check with a plumber and see what type of annode you need for that type of water.
An annode is just a long bimetal rod, that fits in the hot water side, (or is it the cold water, its been so long since I put one in, well, it will only fit in one or the other, not both!), so, it can be exchanged for one that will fit your water need.
If its leaking out of the "drain", then you may need to tighten it. (Just be prepared to get a new one, as a lot of times, when you try this, it doesnt always work).
shut the water off to the tank, and the pilot light, then drain the water into buckets (unless you have a drain handy that it can go into), and toss it in to a sink or outside. After its drained, take the bib off, or spigot, and then put plumbers tape, (teflon tape) on the threads and screw it back on. Make sure its tight and then, turn the water back on. It shouldnt leak.
If its the valve itself, then just replace it with a new one and follow the directions above.
If its along the seam or bottom, then its time to replace the entire tank, because the bottom is corroded and rusted and leaking through.
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-09-12 10:39:58 · answer #2 · answered by x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rust.
It may have "appeared" suddenly, but as we all know "rust never sleeps". And, it's been in there working......
And, it's probably caused by moisture in the bottom of the tank,
over a period of time. Even without a leak, condensation collects, and runs to the bottom of the tank.
The fuel used to heat the water, is inconsequential - elec. or gas.
There's little hope for repair. Probably time for a new one.
Hey! Have you seen the new "on demand" water heaters"?
I'm on a well, and have pretty hard water, so they aren't recommended for me. But, in some situations,even with the added price, the smaller size, and immediate hot water, (no matter how many showers are taken ahead of you) are attractive.
2006-09-12 10:46:49 · answer #3 · answered by OShenandoah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have iether rotted out bottom,or the overflow valve on the side is leaking,(which there is a tube that runs down th side of the hotwater heater.
2006-09-12 10:35:48 · answer #4 · answered by SpiritFox 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The water heater liner has ruptured. There is no way to fix it other than replacement.
2006-09-13 04:45:11 · answer #5 · answered by big_mustache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a seal has broken, either from a fitting or the tank itself. turn off the water at the main and CALL A PLUMBER!
2006-09-12 10:30:51 · answer #6 · answered by korikill 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Change it now, it's a gonner
2006-09-12 13:48:56 · answer #7 · answered by anthony p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how old ? maybe rust.
2006-09-12 10:34:31 · answer #8 · answered by dieturtledie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋