Kitchen Gas Appliances - Kenmore water heater
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Brent7
01-28-04, 09:28 AM
I haven't flushed out our hot water heater since we moved in a bout 2-3 years ago. After water began seeping into our bedroom closet, I checked out our hot water heater and found water puddling beneath it. It is dripping down the inside of the outer shell, and it is beginning to rust out at the bottom. however, most of this seem to only be around the right front - around the panel. This seems to suggest it is not a general condensation problem. I checked the pipe fixtures at the top of the tank, and they were 100% dry. There is calcium bulging out the area around the opening for the drain valve. There was lots of calcium build-up on the nylon valve itself too. I used a hose to try to flush it. After getting some cloudy white water, and sandy calcium, the water cleared, but was slow flow. I removed the hose, and tried to stuff one end of a wire hanger up the nylon valve - at first this produced a lot of sandy calcium and water spitting, but the more I poked, the slower the water got. Now it's a trickle. I could only get the wire 2-3 inches up the valve. I'm afraid the thing is full of calcium. Is there a way to clean it out? What would I use? I've heard of some people scooping out buckets around here. Is it possible I'm fighting a hair-line crack somewhere - or more likely condensation? What's a poor man to do?
Sharp Advice
01-28-04, 10:27 AM
Hello Brent7. Welcome to my Gas Appliances topic and our Do-It-Yourself Web Site.
Water contaminates such as sand, rust, calcium and other such minerals found in water supplies is a difficult condition to control. Regardless of the source of water supply. Filters may be required.
Once a tank becomes contaminated, I would not trust adding chemicals intot the tank to remove them. Residues of the added chemical will always remain.
Check with the local city water department to findout what they suggest or reccommend if anything. Providing the water supply is city water. If it's well water or any other source, private contractors may have better professional & or sound advice.
Pertaining to the water currently found under the tank, it is possible there is a tiny pin hole in the exterior of the tank. Which can be a direct result of the calcium or any other cause like rust.
You can turn the control to pilot to ensure the burner does not fire up, remove the cover to the firebox and visually inspect the firebox for signs and evidence of rust, water leakage, etc.
Based upon the age of the tank, which was not posted in your question, generally speaking, 10 years and over a tank has provided good service over that many years.
10 years or more of service is borrowed time. In some parts less service based on water conditions and other factors. Considering the purchase of a replacement is a prime consideration. The fact that the tank is presently leaking is not a good prospective.
Suggestions:
Read the manufacturers online web site for product information, problem solving methods, disassembly, reassembly methods, repair procedures and instructions, pictorials and schematics, which may be available online.
Link Helps:
Gas Appliances Repair: http://www.sears.com
Appliance Parts, Pictures & Help: http://www.PartSelect.com
Appliances Parts & Help: http://www.pcappliancerepair.com
Kitchen Appliance Parts: http://www.parts-depot.online.com
Appliance Purchasing Sponsored Links:
http://www.pricegrabber.com
http://bizrate.com
http://www.Shopping.com
An excellent source for original replacement parts is your local retail appliance parts store or do it yourself suppliers and or vendors. Appliance parts dealers stock replacement parts for all appliances. Local parts dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.
If you need further assistance, use the reply button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards & Good Luck. Sharp Advice
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Business Management Service.
Web Site Host, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Personal Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely.
"The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
Water contaminates such as sand, rust, calcium and other such minerals found in water supplies is a difficult condition to control. Regardless of the source of water supply. Filters may be required.
Once a tank becomes contaminated, I would not trust adding chemicals intot the tank to remove them. Residues of the added chemical will always remain.
Check with the local city water department to findout what they suggest or reccommend if anything. Providing the water supply is city water. If it's well water or any other source, private contractors may have better professional & or sound advice.
Pertaining to the water currently found under the tank, it is possible there is a tiny pin hole in the exterior of the tank. Which can be a direct result of the calcium or any other cause like rust.
You can turn the control to pilot to ensure the burner does not fire up, remove the cover to the firebox and visually inspect the firebox for signs and evidence of rust, water leakage, etc.
Based upon the age of the tank, which was not posted in your question, generally speaking, 10 years and over a tank has provided good service over that many years.
10 years or more of service is borrowed time. In some parts less service based on water conditions and other factors. Considering the purchase of a replacement is a prime consideration. The fact that the tank is presently leaking is not a good prospective.
Suggestions:
Read the manufacturers online web site for product information, problem solving methods, disassembly, reassembly methods, repair procedures and instructions, pictorials and schematics, which may be available online.
Link Helps:
Gas Appliances Repair: http://www.sears.com
Appliance Parts, Pictures & Help: http://www.PartSelect.com
Appliances Parts & Help: http://www.pcappliancerepair.com
Kitchen Appliance Parts: http://www.parts-depot.online.com
Appliance Purchasing Sponsored Links:
http://www.pricegrabber.com
http://bizrate.com
http://www.Shopping.com
An excellent source for original replacement parts is your local retail appliance parts store or do it yourself suppliers and or vendors. Appliance parts dealers stock replacement parts for all appliances. Local parts dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.
If you need further assistance, use the reply button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards & Good Luck. Sharp Advice
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Business Management Service.
Web Site Host, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Personal Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely.
"The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."