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Water heater leaking
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Water heater leakingHome
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Automatic shut off valve Automatically shuts off water in case of water leak Set detector in water heater drain pan Plug transformer into 120Volt outlet Lead free brass Buy: Water heater shut-off at Amazon Floodsafe water shut off by Watts Water detectors at Amazon Resources: Onsite Pro FS1NPT manual Watts floodsafe automatic shut off valve sell sheet Watts floodsafe automatic shut off valve manual |
 Electric water heater |
 Gas water heater |
Identify
electric and gas water heaters Emergency leak Emergency steps for leaking water heater Do not stand in water Do not touch any wet appliance Electrocution danger Do not touch water heater that is wet or was flooded Turn power OFF Applies to electric and gas water heaters Buy: Water detectors at Amazon |
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Emergency
steps: -Turn off water to house and turn on cold tap if pipes are leaking -Turn off water to heater and open tub spout on hot side if water heater is leaking bad Buy: Water key at Amazon Resource: Emergency steps for leaking water heater |
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Drain
valve leaking: Use hose cap Put garden hose cap over dripping valve If water is coming out crack in shut off, then replace shut off valve. If leaking is coming from behind shut off: electric heater the element might be leaking; gas water heater tank is probably rusted and needs replacement Applies to gas and electric heaters Buy hose cap Brass hose caps at Amazon Resource: How to replace drain valve |
 Shower shut off |
Shower
dripping... use
shut off Stop drips. If shower drips when valve is off, and valve is off in center position, or if double handle faucet leaks on hit side, then hot water is leaving tank and new cold water is entering tank. Reduce flow. Reduce consumption. If shower head is turned off between lather and rinse, this action will save water and save hot water Remove shower head. Apply teflon tape to threads. Install shut off. Apply teflon tape to shut off threads. Re-install shower head. Buy: Shower shut off at Amazon Resource: Water-loss-with-one-drip/ pdf |
 -Turn off water to house and turn on cold tap if pipes are leaking -Turn off water to heater and open tub spout on hot side if water heater is leaking bad |
Inspect
pipes and valves for pinholes and leaking joints Replace leaking pipes and valves If pipes are not leaking, then inspect water heater. Other leaks from side or top of heater can indicate that tank is rusted out, and needs replacement If pipes are wet from condensation, then insulate pipes Resources: Identify water heater valves Troubleshoot Low hot water pressure |
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Insulate
pipes that drip with condensation Inspect pipes for condensation. Insulate pipes. Do not let water drip on gas control valve or other metal products Buy Pipe insulation at Amazon |
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Inspect TP
valve and overflow tube TP valve leaking: Lift lever on TP valve and gently lower to closed position Don't snap lever closed Do NOT cap off overflow tube Buy TP valves: Replacement TP valves at Amazon Resources: How to troubleshoot and replace TP valve TP valve discharge tube code |
 More detail: How to troubleshoot and replace TP valve |
Check
if TP
releasing water? Causes TP is releasing water: Gas and electric: 1) TP valve bad > inspect markings on valve > replace with same pressure and temperature range. More detail: How to troubleshoot and replace TP valve 2) Thermostat temperature set too high See how to adjust temperature / Temperature setting to kill bacteria 3) Stacking condition 4) Closed system causing back-pressure. Use Rainbird PS2 gauge on drain valve. Pressure over 80psi, then install pressure reducing valve and expansion tank shown below. More detail: Low and high pressure 5) Gas water heater thermostat is bad: How to replace gas thermostat TP is releasing water: Electric: 6) Thermostat not seated flat against tank > solution: open covers and inspect > this condition causes thermostat to misread temp and causes overheated tank. 7) Thermostat is bad: How to replace thermostat on electric heater 8) Insulation that normally covers thermostat has been removed > thermostat not sensing correct temperature after receiving cooler air from outside tank |
 Gas
or electric
Ruptured tanks cause massive damage inside house, and water runs until water valve is shut off <> do not assume insurance will cover loss <> home could be uninhabitable until repaired Read insurance data on tank failure |
Water
and rust along bottom rim of tank? Water and rust: Electric: 3. Water at bottom of tank or coming out of side panel: Element can be leaking around rubber gasket > Turn power off > remove covers and check for water leak at element > If leak is not from element, then tank has rusted and failed How to replace element Causes for rusted/ failed tank: Gas and electric: Is tank 6-12 years old? Yes = high risk of rust. PDF to decode serial number and find age of water heater Has anode rod been checked and replaced regularly? No = high risk of rust. House has water softener? Yes = high risk of rust. Read about anode rods and affect of softened water. Tank flushed regularly to avoid build-up inside? No = high risk of rust. See how to clean and flush tank. Water pressure over 80 psi? Yes = high risk of rust. How to check water pressure Other water heaters have failed at same location? Yes = high risk of rust. Electrically bond water pipes together, and ground tank. Bond means connect hot and cold pipes with ground wire. Make sure main electric panel is grounded to ground rod and not to water pipes. Scroll down page to see example image of bonding. Rusted tanks must be replaced before rupturing. |
| Water
and rust along bottom rim of tank? Water and rust: Electric: 3. Water at bottom of tank or coming out of side panel: Element can be leaking around rubber gasket > Turn power off > remove covers and check for water leak at element > If leak is not from element, then tank has rusted and failed How to replace element Causes for rusted/ failed tank: Gas and electric: Is tank 6-12 years old? Yes = high risk of rust. PDF to decode serial number and find age of water heater Has anode rod been checked and replaced regularly? No = high risk of rust. House has water softener? Yes = high risk of rust. Read about anode rods and affect of softened water. Tank flushed regularly to avoid build-up inside? No = high risk of rust. See how to clean and flush tank. Water pressure over 80 psi? Yes = high risk of rust. How to check water pressure Other water heaters have failed at same location? Yes = high risk of rust. Electrically bond water pipes together, and ground tank. Bond means connect hot and cold pipes with ground wire. Make sure main electric panel is grounded to ground rod and not to water pipes. Scroll down page to see example image of bonding. Rusted tanks must be replaced before rupturing. | |
 Water bubbling up Gas or electric Tank must be replaced Emergency steps for leaking water heater |
Water
bubbling up from top: Steel
tank rusted: There is steel tank located under the exterior shell of water heater Inner steel tank can be seriously rusted and all that shows is water at bottom of tank or bubbling up at top of tank. Anode rod prevents tank from rusting. Inspect and replace anode each 1-3 years and prevent rusted tank. Resources: Read about anode rods How to maintain new water heater 1) Large leak: How to turn off water heater and drain tank 2) Small leak: Turn off water heater, Turn on tank only when you need hot water. This will give time to shop and replace tank. If nipples are leaking, then remove and put 6 wraps teflon tape and it might seal, but tank will probably fail soon. Resources: How to install gas water heater Which is best gas water heater |
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Do
you need to replace heater right now?? ✔"It is possible to limp along with a failed water heater if the leak is slow and if you turn off power and water when not using hot water. A hot tap needs to be left open also to prevent pressure build-up in tank. This trick could buy you some time, possibly up to 3 months. With time, you can consider how to make the system do more for less as well as comparison shop, get competitive bids, etc" Forum Read insurance data on tank failure Which is best gas water heater How to install gas water heater How to remove water heater from attic |
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Water
heater will not drain: Flush open with garden hose for few seconds or siphon water out of TP valve opening Resource: Water heater will not drain |
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Prevent
& stop rusting: If tank is already rusted and leaking, then replace tank. Steel water heater tanks are made from enamel-coated steel that is called 'glass lined.' This technique was created by Rheem in the 1950s and replaced prior water heater technology, some which lasted longer than modern tanks, but much more expensive. Once anode rod is depleted, water quickly rusts tank. Enamel coating does not stop rusting. Eventually tank develops pin holes and water starts seeping. Resources: Read about anode rods Buy: Buy anodes at Tank forum Buy anodes at Amazon |
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Rusty
hot water Rusty hot water at faucet or drain valve means galvanized water pipes have rusted, or water heater heater anode rod is depleted and tank is rusted 1) Inspect tank immediately for leaking. tanks should be inspected each 6 months. 2) Replace anode rod and flush tank Resources: Replace anode rod, and Flush tank. 3) If tank is leaking or anode rod cannot be replaced: Shop for best deal and replace water heater. Resources: How to install gas water heater Which is best gas water heater 4) Rusty cold and hot water mean that water heater is probably not causing rust. Rusty cold and hot water can be caused by deteriorated galvanized pipes and/or water well tank, and also city water pipes, or incoming pipe between water meter and home. Check which outdoor tap is located nearest to water meter, and see if water is rusty ... this will say if problem is inside outside home. |
 Applies to gas water heater Some water is ordinary Also look for soot Action: Check the draft |
Water
dripping down vent Applies to Gas water heaters Some dripping is common. A lot of water can mean missing vent cap on roof Can also indicate improper venting Improper vent can cause water drip down flue, and sooting on top of heater indicate risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Action: check the draft: Checking the draft .pdf |
Applies
to gas water heaters  Loose flue: CO Poison Danger  Larger image attach vent hood  Attach vent to vent hood with 3 screws |
CO
carbon monoxide poison gas from vent pipe Vent pipe must be attached to vent hood with 3 screws Vent hood must be attached to water heater with 3 screws All connections must be made with 3 screws at each join Pipes covered in white condensate must be replaced Applies to all gas appliances including water heater Carbon monoxide CO is odorless deadly gas. Burning hydrocarbon fuel releases carbon monoxide. And other by-products. Symptoms: Family gets headaches and sleepy when inside home, and headache goes away after leaving home. Deadly condition: Family goes to sleep never wakes up What to do/ first aid: Remove people immediately from home and lay on side. Do not lay on back, or person will suffocate/ die. Call 911 for medical emergency. Open windows and doors. Call plumber to locate source of CO gas Resources: Read troubleshooting at forum See u-tube video Read about CO detector Read checking the draft Buy carbon monoxide detector: Carbon monoxide detectors at Amazon More detectors at Amazon |
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New
Gas water heater: Normal to have dripping water at startup
that stops
when tank fully heated 'First time a gas water heater starts up, it will produce condensation. You may hear dripping and see small puddle. Once heater warms up, the problem disappears.' 'Condensation can also be caused by heavy water draw and very cold inlet water temperature.' Condensation is temporary and stops when water gets warm. If leak continues after water heater warms up, then check vent pipe for dripping condensate. If vent pipe is dry, then water heater is rusted out and needs replacement. Resources: How to install gas water heater New water heater making noise |
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| Actions to avoid leaks and water damage | |
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Avoid
high water pressure Water pressure: Pressure over 80 psi can damage water heater Read Symptoms: TP valve goes bad frequently. Cause: Closed system because of check valve or faulty pressure valve, or community water problem or water well pressure set too high. Connect BTG 100 or Rainbird P2A pressure gauge to water heater drain valve to check pressure. Install pressure reducing valve. Replace check valve. People with water well > turn down pressure on water well > save both hot and cold water, save electricity, and well equipment lasts longer Buy: Water pressure gauges Temperature-pressure gauge Safety Equipment for Professionals Industrial and scientific Amazon Read about low water pressure Low hot water pressure |
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Expansion
tank prevents leaks When thermostat must be kept high, or water pressure is high Expansion tank on incoming cold water line can stop TP from constantly dribbling hot water > take photo of water heater label and then ask plumbing supply for correct size expansion tank Buy: Expansion tanks at Amazon Resource: Expansion Tank Installation pdf |
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Pressure
reducing valve High pressure over 80psi can damage water heater and plumbing Install expansion tank, and/or pressure reducing valve Pressure reducing valve is installed on supply line to regulate and stabilize flow pressure Buy: Pressure reducing valves Pressure regulating valves at Amazon Resource: Water heater valves |
 Drip pan saves damage |
Drip pan Set water heater in drip pan Buy: Water heater drip pans at Amazon Buy: Water detectors at Amazon Auto-shut-off valve at Amazon Resource: See drip pan installation Drain pan no greater than 1-1/2” deep and at least 2” wider than tank. Pan must not restrict air flow to bottom of gas water heater that has 3-legs. Set 3-legged water heater on bricks.. TP discharge pipe cannot be lower than top rim of drain pan. |
 Flexible Copper Water Heater Connector at Amazon |
Flexible
copper connections: Use stainless or copper flexible connections when using flexible connections for water heater. Use reinforced connections for washing machine and softener. Inspect water heater each 6 months Resources: 9-ways to save with water heater How to maintain water heater How to solder copper pipe |
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Connect
water heater using di-electric nipples. Prevent clogs and extends life of water heater. If nipples are leaking, then remove and put 6 wraps teflon tape and it might seal, but tank will probably fail soon. Buy: Dielectric nipples at Amazon Resources: Low Hot Water Pressure How to replace short nipple 9 ways to save with water heater  |
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Use
brass connections when connecting
copper pipe and
galvanized pipe. Prevent electrolytic corrosion/ deterioration of galvanized pipes and clogs Use 6 wraps teflon tape on threads Buy: Brass nipples at Amazon Brass elbows at Amazon Resource: Low hot water pressure |
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Di-electric
nipples are better than
di-electric unions Rubber washer inside union will eventually leak Replace washer periodically If nipples are leaking, then remove and put 6 wraps teflon tape and it might seal, but tank will probably fail soon. |
 Keep insulation away
from top of gas water heater. Insulate both hot and cold pipes.
Larger image |
Electrically
(bond) ground water heater pipes on gas and electric water
heaters.
Water heaters that rust out quickly might be connected to water pipes that are not grounded. Hot water pipes are not grounded in many homes. Read Pdf To get 'rid of stray current corrosion, jumper between hot and cold pipes with #6 solid copper wire. And check that cold water pipe is grounded to main panel and to grounding rod. Read1 Read2 Example image shows: ground wire, di-electric nipples, heat-traps, and pipe insulation With gas water heater, keep insulation above top of tank With electric water heater, pipes can be fully insulated Attach vent hood to water heater using 3 sheet metal screws Connect each vent join with 3 sheet metal screws Do not solder pipes directly to water heater. Keep propane torch 12" away. How to solder pipes |
 Larger image |
Keep
water heater out of flood zone What to do when water heater floods: Replace water heater Resources: Flooded water heater Read PDF on flood-damaged water heaters |
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Earthquake straps
help prevent gas leak and fire
in event of
earthquake. Prevents damage to property and injury from falling tank. Resources: Read pdf See seismic map Dropped water heater, or water heater fell over Buy: Earthquake straps at Amazon  |
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Resources: How to install gas water heater Troubleshoot gas water heater Re-purpose old water heater / Recycle water heater |
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Water heater safety precautions |
 Larger image During typical water heater combustion, hydrogen content of fuel is burned and the result is hot gases. One of these hot gases is steam or water vapor. Adequate venting or air draw up vent is required so gases vent outside. When there is inadequate draw, the water vapor cools and condenses on inside wall of vent pipe. This condensation water is acidic (pH 3-5) and corrosive. It will corrode steel metals and other materials. Improper venting causes water to drip down vent into combustion chamber of gas water heater. Parts inside combustion chamber rust. Holes develop in bottom of water heater. Inspect combustion chamber for rust and water. If steel vent pipe is not venting, the vent pipe will rust and get holes, or joints will fall apart. This situation causes hot gases to enter home and poses serious risk of odorless CO poisoning. |
Flue
Pipe Safety Rusted flue pipe -or-water on top of gas water heater could indicate serious problem. Call a plumber if you are uncertain. Check pipes and flexible connectors for leaks. If water coming from flue pipe: 1. Vent cover could be missing > rain water entering flue (replace cover) 2. Flue pipe clogged with bird nest or come apart or damp from improper venting: danger of odorless Carbon Monoxide poisoning Serious danger from CO poisoning, a plumber should be called if you are uncertain about vent pipe water leak Read troubleshooting at forum See u-tube video Read about CO detector |
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| "Excessive
corrosion of vents, burners, or heat
exchangers, is caused by contamination of the supply
air. It turns out that traces of chlorine bleach vapors from
clothes dryer vents can do considerable damage when ingested by a
burner and then deposited with condensation onto metal surfaces such as
vents, etc." Read troubleshooting at forum Protect gas water heater parts. Do not install cold water line above gas valve where condensation drips on valve. Annually clean burner area with wire brush and vacuum cleaner. Read Remove chemicals from same room as water heater. Chemicals corrode water heater parts. 'Spray propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, household bleach, waxes and process chemicals are corrosive at very low levels with no odor." |
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Resources: How to install gas water heater Troubleshoot gas water heater Troubleshoot electric water heater |
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