Scott.D
New Member
Hi all,
We moved into our house 3 years ago, and inherited an AO Smith water heater. Yesterday, it stopped working after needing to be moved due to mold removal.
Upon examining the lower access panel, I've come across the pictures listed below. It seems like water has leaked out of the tank onto the element, causing significant rust build-up. I believe this is the cause of the tank ceasing to heat water properly.
Can I replace the element and thermostat, and seal it back up? Or does the rust mean the integrity of the water tank is compromised it looks like its just the surface that's rusted, but I haven't removed anything to check further.
The warranty expired in November 2020, which the original owners failed to specify.
We moved into our house 3 years ago, and inherited an AO Smith water heater. Yesterday, it stopped working after needing to be moved due to mold removal.
Upon examining the lower access panel, I've come across the pictures listed below. It seems like water has leaked out of the tank onto the element, causing significant rust build-up. I believe this is the cause of the tank ceasing to heat water properly.
Can I replace the element and thermostat, and seal it back up? Or does the rust mean the integrity of the water tank is compromised it looks like its just the surface that's rusted, but I haven't removed anything to check further.
The warranty expired in November 2020, which the original owners failed to specify.
