My Waterheater is Splitting Down the Side.

[Devin G]

Hello I just bought my new house and maybe two months after I bought it the water heater is now split down the side and the top looks like it's popping off.
Water heaters covered under niba Home Warranty but only if it's leaking the bulge doesn't count or so they say.

What should I do

 

[Terry]

The tank is inside that wrapper, and insulation between the wrapper and the tank. The wrapper serves no function but to protect the insulation.
Normally I think of gas water heaters having a max life of 15 years, and have seen them fail at 8. There is the odd one that will do 20+ but that is rare.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Dj2]

1. I would guess that the WH is over 10 years old, and if that's the case, start saving money for a new WH.

2. Home warranties are usually worthless, you just found out that whatever problem you have, they will find a way out of their obligation and won't pay. Next renewal day, just tell them adios.

If it were my home...I would replace the WH on the first sign of trouble: not enough hot water, noises, pilot light going out frequently, leak, and so on. And if they called to renew the policy, I'd tell them that I much rather invest this money in my favorite mutual fund: Vanguard.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

Its probably thermal expansion that caused the bulge... That is a crappy whirlpool heater and needs to
be removed and replaced with a Rheem

 

[hj]

The tank has leaked and sealed itself many time but the corrosion has caused pressure which is popping the jacket. The home warranty company DID replace mine before it started leaking, but your heater is on its last legs and may start leaking at any time.