Hot water heater...

anthony_3

I had a puddle of water underneath my hot water heater the other day. It dried up in about 3 days. I can't seem to see where it leaked from. All outside pipes are dry. The heater is about 14 years old. Is it normal for it to leak and then stop. It didn't come from the pressure valve.

Jackchips

Hi Anthony,

If it has dried up and the water has not returned, you probably have nothing to be concerned about. Your description is to vague to give a reason but all pressure leaks continue and do not stop by themselves. If the water returns it would be helpful to have some information on the heater.

Unknown

Might have been condensation

If you use the hot water alot at one time , and the heater water gets cold because it didnt recover fast enough - you might see a puddle under the heater . We see it all the time on an initial startup of a gas heater - the phantom puddle .

ScottMP

AAHH I don't know about that

I have seen gas hot water heaters leak a little and then seal themselves up. I know at least twice wear this happened. The second time the HO thought it was nothing and then two weeks later had to wet vac. his finished of basement.

14 years old is time to think about a new hot water heater. I would look at that little drip as a warning. START calling around...

Scott

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Herb

puddle

under your water heater that took 3 days(?) to go away is definately a warning sign. Also in those fourteen years has your family grown to the point you have teenagers? I know mine took incredibly longer showers, washed their clothes every day etc. You could be draining enough hot water to experience the condensing of flue gases that other guys pointed out. Considering the age of the W/H, I would be replacing it and make sure you size the tank according to your hot water needs not just like for like.

eric_2

14 YEARS

And the heater owes you nothing..... The best warranty you will find on water heaters is 10-12 years. Replace it now and save yourself a headache later. They always go at the worst time.

Gary Fereday

YES ! ! !

Like the Holidays, just after the guests arrive for a moment of relaxation,just before dinner, And then the plumber oh boy? The poor gut is out on another call and will get to you ASAP. Bite the bullet and get it replaced now as the above posts recommend. JM I O (I=informed also Intense ! ! ! ) bigugh

Jackchips

Hmmm,

The consensus seems to be to replace. Years ago my own heater kept getting water under it with no explanation. After changing it the water returned. While scratching my head and doing some investigation the source was found. Years earlier my late Father-in-Law had installed radiant heat that had been replaced. The return line from the bathroom had been cut off in the water heater room and as Murhpy's Law would have it ran under my tub. The house is a slab on grade, the tub drain leaked, followed the old steel pipe for 50 feet and ran under my water heater. I would suggest that more research be done before replacement. We all know heaters can and do last much more than 14 years. If it does not meet the current load that probably is a good reason for replacement but a puddle alone could be premature. After all who among us has not had a new heater let go on a cold, winter. holiday?

Dan

wh questons

Anthony, whats the house water pressure, gas or elec., is there a pan and drainline, have you regularly flushed the tank by draining ? daniel