Water Heater Leaking From Both Element Panels
#1
07-28-17, 09:50 AM
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 45
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Water Heater Leaking From Both Element Panels
Does anything that the whole tank needs replacing or should just look into replacing both heating elements? I don’t know much about water heaters and I would hate to have to call a repairman for something that I could fix myself.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Last edited by ray2047; 07-29-17 at 06:23 AM. Reason: Rotate image.
#2
07-28-17, 10:05 AM
Group Moderator
First, have you removed the covers and confirmed that both elements are actually leaking? Both to start leaking at the same time is highly unlikely. It's more likely a fitting on top of the heater or just the top element leaking.
#5
07-28-17, 12:20 PM
Group Moderator
I would start first with the leaks on top. That water may be running down and making appear as though the elements are leaking. You'll have to tighten or re-do the connections on top of the heater. That will likely require cutting the pipes.
#6
07-28-17, 12:41 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Before you do anything what is the age of that WH. There should some sort of date on that will give approximate age. Anything over 10 years I would replace it.
#8
07-28-17, 02:53 PM
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 45
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
You are right. I just replaced BOTH elements and there is still leakage coming from the area where both elements are. This is EXTREMELY frustrating! Not to mention the water coming out of the faucet is brown now!
So not only did I just waste time but money as well. I don’t know anything about cutting pipes. I’m going to have to call someone. Thank you for your help.
So not only did I just waste time but money as well. I don’t know anything about cutting pipes. I’m going to have to call someone. Thank you for your help.
#9
07-29-17, 06:11 AM
Plumbers normally do not try to find a leak in a water heater. They will simply chuck it in the trash (or white goods recycling), get a warranty credit or replacement, and install the new water heater.
In your case the leak is probably in the metal side of the tank somewhere covered by the layer of insulation.
If you want the plumber to find the leak you will pay him extra. Or you can do as I just did, hold on to the old water heater as the installer/plumber departs and dissect it myself to satifsy my curiosity.
In your case the leak is probably in the metal side of the tank somewhere covered by the layer of insulation.
If you want the plumber to find the leak you will pay him extra. Or you can do as I just did, hold on to the old water heater as the installer/plumber departs and dissect it myself to satifsy my curiosity.
#10
07-29-17, 12:07 PM
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 45
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I actually decided to call Sears and after giving them the model number, they were able to determine that it is in fact a model from 2005.
I plan on just replacing it.
I plan on just replacing it.
#11
07-29-17, 02:07 PM
Group Moderator
In your case the leak is probably in the metal side of the tank somewhere covered by the layer of insulation.
Dane advised correcting the plumbing leaks. He was correct as the water is running down the inside of the tank. This is an extremely common problem. Actually the fault of the installer in not installing the fittings correctly in the top of the water heater in the first place.
