Hot Water Heater Drip Leg dripping?

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/4f091ce34e807-.jpg

I just noticed it this morning when I went in the boiler room. The area right below the gas pipe connecting to the hot water heater has a damp wet spot (shown on picture). I touched the floor and its already dried but the area has a different shade than the rest. I touched the bottom cap of the drip leg and felt some sticky substance like lubricant. I don’t smell any type of gas leak or anything. I’m debating if I should call my plumber… anyone experienced anything like this? The hot water heater is only 2 years old.

namahs

in Heating 13 years and 6 months ago

3

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3 replies

waterdamage143 | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I think it is better to call you call plumber.

Dksbs | 13 years and 6 months ago

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One way you can check if its a leak is to put a sheet of white paper over the spot and see if it gets wet over time.

steam_man | 13 years and 6 months ago

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The sticky stuff is pipe dope and its fine. The wet spot probably old oil stains that you never noticed. My best guess.