New water heater rust on tank

[marie]

Hi, I posted this on another person’s thread but probably should have started my own, sorry for any confusion.

I spotted what I think is rust when investigating a noise coming from my new Bradford White gas water heater (installed 9/30/21). I saw it through the vents at the bottom of the outer shell. Is rust on the exterior of the tank something to worry about? It looks like it’s along a large seam. I’ll have my plumber come take a look, but wanted to ask if anyone has seen anything like this on a new water heater before? There is no sign of any water dripping/leaking. Thanks!

 

[Sylvan]

I would be more concerned about who installed the gas line to the heater

 

[Sponsor]

 

[marie]

I would be more concerned about who installed the gas line to the heater

Oh no, what’s wrong with the gas line?

 

[Sylvan]

I cannot find any thing right with that installation

1- Where is the shut off?

2- Drip leg wrong location (Some codes ban drip legs)

3- If there was moisture in the gas line the drip leg is useless as the moisture would stay in the flex connection

4- T&P Discharge is installed in a dangers location because if the drip pan has water in it the T&P will not be able to discharge properly as the flow will be severely hindered

I wonder what they did with the flue and more pictures would help a lot

 

[Sylvan]

FYI

Section 408 Drips and Sloped Piping

408.1 Slopes

Piping for other than dry gas conditions shall be sloped not less than 1/4 inch in 15 feet (6.3 mm in 4572 mm) to prevent traps. The local gas supplier/utility company should be consulted to determine the type of fuel gas available for the intended service.

408.2 Drips

Where the local gas supplier/utility company requires, a manufactured test fitting or drip leg shall be installed downstream of a lockable supply/riser valve in accordance with the requirements for installation of the serving utility. No other locations will be allowed to prevent additional unapproved gas connections.


408.4 Sediment Trap

Where a sediment trap is not incorporated as part of the appliance, a sediment trap shall be installed downstream of the appliance shutoff valve as close to the inlet of the appliance as practical. The sediment trap shall be either a tee fitting having a capped nipple of any length installed vertically in the bottom most opening of the tee or other device approved as an effective sediment trap. Illuminating appliances, ranges, clothes dryers, decorative vented appliances for installation in vented fireplaces, gas fireplaces, and outdoor grills need not be so equipped.

 

[marie]

Here are few more pics

 

[marie]

One more

 

[Sylvan]

I would contact Bradford White regarding the corrosion not a plumber but have the plumber check the following

Have the drip leg installed from the run of the Tee NOT from the bull

Have someone cut the copper tubing from the T&P so it is above the drip pan (2" above should be enough cut on a 45 DEG angle )

If the flue is passing though flammable material such as wood it should be double wall pipe 4" Metalbestos for example

 

[marie]

Thank you, so helpful. I’ll contact the company and the plumber.

 

[Sylvan]

Thank you, so helpful. I’ll contact the company and the plumber.

You are very welcome

Good luck please keep me posted

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