Issue with old water heater

[Sluggo]

The gas-fired water heater for my home needs to be replaced. It has started a small, oozing drip from the bottom in a location where it can't do any damage at that low rate (concrete floor in basement). For reasons too complicated to explain, I can't get a new one installed for a couple of weeks. Do I need to worry about this tiny oozing turning into a catastrophic leak in the meantime?

 

[Reach4]

While things are probably going to be OK if you wait.

If you are worried enough, put a water alarm on the floor. When you leave long enough, put the WH into vacation mode, and close the input water valve.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

Maybe and maybe not.
A lot depends on where it's leaking from. If it's a weld joint leaking, it could get worse in a hurry. At least the garage should be sloped toward the doors.
If it's a weep at a threaded joint, it may take a while.

 

[Sluggo]

Thanks. I'll keep a close eye on it and maybe shut it down if I'm away from the house for more than the day. I can't tell exactly where it's coming from as it is so slow and not dripping...more slowly oozing somewhere from the underside and not likely from a fitting.

 

[Sluggo]

Ok...I went to shut off the water supply to the heater and I noticed a little puddle of water on top of the water heater by the cold fitting, and then I realized that there was a little leak coming out of the threads at the end of the flex connector, so it's not actually the water heater leaking. I put a pair of wrenches on it and stopped the weep (at least for now). So my question now is: Should I replace the flex connector or just leave it alone?

 

[Reach4]

put a pair of wrenches on it and stopped the weep (at least for now). So my question now is: Should I replace the flex connector or just leave it alone?

I think you are saying that the leak was between the flex connector and whatever it was screwed too. I would say leave it.

 

[Sluggo]

I think you are saying that the leak was between the flex connector and whatever it was screwed too. I would say leave it.

Yes...that was what I was trying to say
Thanks.