Leaking water heater
#1
10-09-19, 11:45 PM
Join Date: Oct 2019
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Leaking water heater
Hello. I have an electric A.O. Smith ProMax (60 gallon i believe) water heater. I really don't pay much attention to it, but today I heard it making noise and then I noticed that there was a bit of brown water in the drain pan. I got my wetdry vacuum and tried getting the water out, but more water kept showing up. The lower part of the heater where the water is resting at is starting to show signs of rusting. I went outside and there was quite a bit of water coming from the outside drain pipe. I bought my home about 8 years ago and the water heater came with it. The previous owners lived here around 5 years so the water heater is about 10-13 years old. Anyways, I was wondering what i should do? I was thinking about turning off the electricity from the breaker, shutting off the cold water valve, and draining the water inside with a hose until I can buy a new one next week, but I really don't know much about water heaters. Should I do that or is there something else I can do? Also, is it safe to use the water heater until i get a professional to check it out in a couple of days?
Last edited by WinnieMojo; 10-09-19 at 11:54 PM. Reason: Typo
#2
10-10-19, 02:22 AM
12-15 yrs is generally the life expectancy of a water heater. Assuming the leaks aren't coming from the plumbing connections the tank has probably reached the end of it's life. I'm not a plumber but would assume it's ok to use the heater although I'd want to keep an eye on it in case the leak gets worse.
#3
10-11-19, 12:50 AM
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Reply to marksr
I agree, i think its about time to buy a new too. I have a plumber coming over in about 6 hours. Couldn't do it sooner because I had an Exam in a college course that I am taking yesterday. I noticed that the leak is coming from a small puncture on the side of the tank. Should I shut off the water supply to the water heater and the electricity at the breaker until the plumber comes? Its getting worse by the minute.
#6
10-11-19, 09:42 AM
Member
It needs to be replaced, but I question whether you need a 60 gallon heater. How many people live in the home? How many bathrooms? Any high use items such as whirlpool baths? The plumber can probably suggest the size you need.
