Water seepage around hot water heater

the entire tank is under the pressure of the city water coming in.if it was a leak it would keep on leaking 60-90lbs of pressure.the relief might of burp’d .put a bucket under the relief and blow it off for now….to pull or not??? is money issue for you and 14 yr old is pushing a HWH with no maint of flushing and blowing reliefs since….the plumber makes money on bringing it in,but could bang you from 1200 to 1500…buying it is a good idea rolling it out at HD/LOWES but frowned on.if you knew how to solder it is an easy install…changeout

biggles

in Plumbers and Plumbing 11 years and 6 months ago

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AstralOil | 12 years and 1 month ago

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This morning found a puddling of water around the 1999 AO Smith 40 Gal gas hot water heater in the basement, but the overflow valve hasn’t burst and I can find any particular leak point in the tank.  Granted I can only access through the pilot door, but at least from there everything is dry within. Tank dying?  If I’m going to replace it, is it more cost effective to buy the tank myself and get a plumber to do the install, or will a plumber come with a better price on a tank, too?

shahnandersen

in Plumbers and Plumbing 12 years and 1 month ago

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It could just be condensation, but don’t take the chance on a 14 year old water heater!  A small leak can presage a catastrophic failure at any time.  If you’re going to have the plumber install it, let him buy it as well.  A lot easier and s/he will be responsible for everything.  Cost difference should be minimal either way.

AstralOil | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks! No chances being taken here.

energyefficiencygrantsguru | 12 years and 1 month ago

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I agree, I would not take the chance with a 14yr old boiler! I would also look into what incentives are offered by the state or your utility. NYSERDA which is the state energy research develooment authority offers numerous incentives for equipment upgrades. This would further reduce your installation costs.

johnmclaren | 12 years and 1 month ago

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I would say you should replace the heater because it is already 14 years old and you cannot expect it to perform at its best for even more years. You should get a new one, there are plenty of options available.

upwsidemom | 12 years and 1 month ago

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14 years is pushing it as I think most are warrantied for 6-10 years. We replaced our 12 year old AO Smith water heater as a precaution as it had starting to make some clanging noises when filling up.