Is There A Way To Fix A Leaking Water Heater?
Its an old water heater that dates back to 1989 sometime. But its a very high quality one and it has never given trouble. It was designed to conserve energy. Its a gas heater shaped like a huge cylinder in the closet. There is a small pin hole sized leak somewhere. Is there a way to patch the hole and keep the heater another 5 years at least?
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October 20, 2009 @ 5:37 pm
If the tank itself is leaking rather than a joint or pipe fitting the tank is probably rusted out. Trying to fix the leak in that case will probably just make it bigger. If you are able to patch it you are very likely to have more and bigger leaks within a short time. It is probably time to replace the heater.
Bert
October 20, 2009 @ 7:33 pm
Tough question. As with most questions like these the answer is yes and no. Yes, you could probably patch this leak. However this leak could be a sign of a greater problem. (Small hole in the dike). And repairs like this are most often like band aids and certainly would never last five years.
Due to the age of water heater I think I would start looking for a similar unit on sale. If you get the same or similar unit as a replacement you are only looking at disconnecting and connecting the same pipes and not having to run additional piping which could be more than you want to tackle.
October 21, 2009 @ 12:54 am
Heaters last 10 to 15 years so you’ve done pretty well with the one you have. Since it’s almost 2009 you should realize there are more efficient models now out there on the market.
If you really want a quick fix, go to an automotive store (Napa) and buy some “Liquid Steel”. It’s a putty like substance you can apply from the outside however you’ll have to drain the heater of water first, before applying the compound.
October 21, 2009 @ 5:17 am
It’s time to replace the gas water heater
First make sure your old water heater can’t be fixed. If the tank itself leaks, not the pipes, the lining has rusted and the heater must be replaced.
October 21, 2009 @ 10:30 am
There is no way to get to the water tank inside the hot water heater, so you’ll never be able to patch it. All you’ll be patching is the outer casing which is not made to hold water. I’m afraid it will need to be replaced, and soon, before you have a major flood on your hands.
October 21, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Trying to patch a hole in a water heater is like putting a band aid on a gun shot wound. It may slow down the bleeding, but your still going to bleed to death. 20 years with the water heater. That’s pretty good. It doesn’t owe you anything anymore. Time for a new one.
October 21, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Water heaters only last 10 to 15 years. Their is no way to fix a tank. By the time you pay to fix it you could have just gotten a new one.
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