State Natural Gas water leak from the top

[Sree gpalli]

Hi,

Could you help me troubleshoot my water heater leak issue. I see water leaking from the flue? I tightened both inlet and outlets, but continue see water seeping out from the middle. This has been in use from 2003. Let me know if this needs to be replaced. Thanks.

 

[Jadnashua]

A typical gas WH lasts 7-years or so. They can go sooner, or last longer. Yours is over double the 'normal'. Unless it's condensation from the flue (that shouldn't just start, and would be an indication of a flue problem), it's probably leaking from the fittings and that's a terminal sign of failure. Time to replace it. Note, it could continue to be a slow leak for awhile, or, it could spring a major leak anytime soon. You might want to consider turning off the water supply when you're going to be away for awhile.

One thing that might help with a new WH is to change the anode rod periodically. Very few people do, but it can help. If you have to pay someone to do it, it's not really worth it, as over time, you'll spend about the same amount of money. It's pretty cheap if you can do it yourself.

FWIW, most new WH of the same capacity are taller, so you may need to do a bit of reconfiguring. This is because of the mandated safety burner designs that prevent volatile, flammable vapors from exploding if they get near the burner like paint thinner, etc.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

Unless the pictures are during a big rain storm, replace the WH.

 

[Dana]

If the seal between the center flue heat exchanger & tank is seeping it's time to get a new water heater before the seep turns into a fountain. It looks like it's coming up and over the lip of the sheet metal of the flue clearance and puddling in the recesses where the water connections are made(?).

If it's water dribbling down from the venting & vent hood rather than welling up from around the heat exchanger penetration of the tank it's time to analyze what's going on with the flue.

 

[Sree gpalli]

Thank you all for sharing your insights. I am getting it replaced tomorrow.

 

[WorthFlorida]

There could be water at the bottom of the heater were the burner resides. Take off the cover and take a look. Definitely confirm it’s a leak. From the top it is too much water from condensation, definitely the tank is leaking.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gas...8&hl=en-us&client=safari#imgrc=dRBw65uHavj1hM: