it has always had a very slow drip out of what appears to be a drain spout. but over the past few weeks it has slowly increased to a steady dribble of water. the water heater is approx 12 years old.
2006-10-17 06:35:51 · 16 answers · asked by funkylobe 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Buy a cap and gasket for the spigot,put it on and then closely monitor the hwh.If you then find more water replace it.12 yrs is about the end of it's life span,try and inspect it often,replace it at 15 yrs whether it leaks or not.
2006-10-17 06:54:41 · answer #1 · answered by Scott EThe anode rod inyour hwh 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hello, there is a concern Of the valve that is leaking if it is slowly leaking, you can drain it and replace the valve, but if your water heater is 12 years old and once you change one thing another will go and another its going pick at your pocket left and right. So, you may want to think of getting a new one. I know that Lowe's home improvement sells energy efficient water heaters and that on your tax return you can claim the water heater because it being efficient
2006-10-17 08:14:01 · answer #2 · answered by blaine521 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have already done this, but try turning the valve on and off a few times then shut it as tight as possible. You can drain the tank and then replace the valve yourself for only a few dollars. Replacing the valve might extend the life of the water heater by a couple of years. It might be better to replace the whole thing and save yourself from further trouble. 15 years is a long time for a water heater.
2016-05-22 08:56:57 · answer #3 · answered by Liana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Replace it. the leak will continue to get worse & at 12 yrs old your heater is not as energy efficient as a new one would be. the only concern with the leak is that of any other leak--it's gonna get things wet. Also, it will increase your energy use--but, minimally.
I suggest when shopping for a new heater you consider your individual needs, such as amount of hot water you & your family use, the space it will be in, rapid heating requirements, auto off option for low use periods--basically a timer.
2006-10-17 06:46:39 · answer #4 · answered by Clycs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to drain the heater and replace the spout. These things only get worse with time. At 12 years old its probably time to replace the heater as well.
2006-10-17 06:42:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its probably loaded up with minerals. 12 years is a pretty good life span for a hot water heater but to just stop the leak go to the harware store and get a brass screw on faucet cap with a garden hose gasket in it. That will stop the leak and is like a fail safe measure even on one that isnt leaking. My aunts hot water heater was leaking at the faucet and I put one on it and it was the end of the problem. I put one on mine too and it wasnt leaking but like I say its an extra measure of protection.
2006-10-17 09:02:31 · answer #6 · answered by Captleemo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes this can become a serious concern. The heater may rupture while you are at work or gone for a period of time. You need to call a plumber as soon as possible to take care of this. If you don't you may go home one day and have water all over the place.
2006-10-17 06:44:15 · answer #7 · answered by Rooster 1972 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's coming out the drain connection on the bottom of your heater, it may be the valve is going bad. You can have it replaced (or try to replace it yourself), but since you don't need this very often, you could go to the hardware store and buy a garden hose cap and put that on there to seal it. MAke sure you get a metal one, not plastic.
2006-10-17 07:30:41 · answer #8 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF it has a handle on it make sure it is off- if it is as off as it will go- sounds like you need a new spigot or new hot water heater- if it has been sitting on the floor the bottom is probably rusty- esp w a water leak- D
2006-10-17 06:44:22 · answer #9 · answered by Debby B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 yrs old it has some time in, if it is not leaking from under the unit no immediate concern i would put a cap on it , my heater lasted twenty years but dont know what kind of water you have good luck
2006-10-17 09:14:40 · answer #10 · answered by high1315 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋