Water Heaters - Gas water heater leaking from around T&P

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Techno Dude
11-30-06, 03:36 PM
I have a Kenmore 50 gallon gas water heater. Last night it started leaking from around the T&P valve. I tested the valve and it works. The water is coming from the opening in the side of the tank into which the valve is inserted. I don't see any leaking from the valve or where the valve is inserted into the tank. It's as if the water is flowing from someplace and just happens to spill out at that opening. It's a small trickle, but over time it created a nice puddle in my carpet. Any ideas?

Ed Imeduc
11-30-06, 04:11 PM
You dont say how old the water heater is???? You could take it out redope the threads put it back and see if that makes it stop. If this just started on a old tank Id say get a new one
jim-connor
11-30-06, 04:11 PM
If the fittings are not leaking, you probably have a pinhole leak in the tank. As with all leaks, it will get worse. Shut off the water to the heater to prevent a possible flood.

Techno Dude
11-30-06, 06:54 PM
The unit is 15 years old. Recently there has been some red sediment coming from the hot water faucets. I flushed it and the problem abated. Now it is leaking. The unit does not leak all the time. It's only been 24 hours and I haven't had a chance to play with it, but it seems to stop leaking as soon as I run some hot water to relieve the pressure. I wonder how my wife would feel about a new water heater as a Christmas present? Probably better than a cold shower.
jim-connor
12-01-06, 05:19 AM
I would say replace it. 15 years is beyond normal life expectancy. Also, because this heater is in the house (you mentioned carpet), a leak can cause major property damage. Be thankful it started as a small leak. Many times they will cause a flood without warning.
I know someone who had $20,000.00 in property damage from a water heater that started leaking when no one was home.

Good luck.
hankhill6018
12-01-06, 05:53 AM
I would also say replace it.

I would recommend that, when you do, DO NOT place the new one directly on the carpet. Most water heaters manufactures spec's state it in the manual. It is often acceptable to cover up the carpeted area of the water heater with either plywood or metal to prevent the carpeting from catching fire.
Ed Imeduc
12-01-06, 12:09 PM
You might check code there . Most now call for a pan under
the water heater and this has to be piped outdoors. Also the P/R valve to the outside in copper pipe not PVC