Thanks for the suggestions (Bob & maradcl..) ! Definitely helped me
guage how difficult/easy this would be.

I don't have all the tools for this and since it is old, I didn't want
to risk trying to open the connections... & break it.

I did the call the plumber this morning. Hopefully they can fix it
quick and not have to replace the heater.

Again, Thanks for the suggestions. It really helped me !




BobK207 wrote:
wrote:
Hello,
I noticed a leak from the top of our 15 year old Rheem water heater.
I touched the water and it was warm. So I looked near the hot water
pipe coming out from the top of the heater and that's where it seems to
be leaking from. So, I shut off the valve on that pipe, which means NO
hot water supply to the house. That stopped the leak from the top.

If I turn the valve again, it seem leak under that pipe and then starts
flowing down the heater..

So, my questions a

1) Is shutting the valve enough to prevent any further leaking ? i.e.
should I shut the gas too to be safe ?

2) I am assuming the sealant near where the pipe is connected to the
heater is leaking. Can there be other explainations to what I see ?

3) If it is a leak in the pipe, can I try to open the connection and
apply a pipe sealant and re-connect it ? Is that safe ? Any "pressure"
thing to be aware off ?

4) Am I better off calling a plumber or installer (who?) ? Is this a
complicated thing to fix ?


HELP ! Its midnight now and my wife's going to realize in the morning
that there's no hot water !

Thanks
NeedHelp.



The night (near midnight as well) you discover a leaking water heater
is not the time to learn about water heaters & plumbing........but I
suppose a situation like this can provide some motivation


1) Is shutting the valve enough to prevent any further leaking ?

shutting off the inlet cold water to the w/h will prevent more cold
water from entering the w/h to make up for the water leaking out.....it
will not prevent the hot water from running back into the heater from
the rest of the house & leaking out but since the water heater will not
be under much pressure it will most likely not leak

i.e. should I shut the gas too to be safe ? depending on how
substaintial the water leak is I might leave the gas on (to have hot
water in the AM) or I might turn it off


2) I am assuming the sealant near where the pipe is connected to the
heater is leaking. Can there be other explainations to what I see ?

yes there can be others, cannot tell from here based on your
description

maybe the 15 year old w/h is just worn out & leaking....I've had w/h's
last 20 years + and had others gone in less than 10.....depends on the
water in your area


3) If it is a leak in the pipe, can I try to open the connection and
apply a pipe sealant and re-connect it ?

yes...btw pipes rarely leak...pipe joints leak

Is that safe ? yes if done correctly

Any "pressure" thing to be aware off ?

if the water & gas iare off....the only pressure you'll see the
elevation head from the water in the house that is above the w/h

4) Am I better off calling a plumber or installer (who?) ?

that would be your call.........plumber can fix (if fixable), plumber
can install as well..........installer wiil R&R w/h.

Is this a complicated thing to fix ?

no..not at all but doing your first water heater solo w/o much general
home repair experience won't be easy....do you have tools? pipe
wrenches, wrenches? experience? a DIY book?

btw you can be the hero (if you're willing to risk it).....if the leak
isn't too bad, turn the water & gas back on in the AM (about an hour
before you need hot water) & fire up it up...that way your wife won't
be w/o hot water in the AM. & you'll look pretty smart

Arrange for repair or replacement in the afternoon (or dive in
yourself)...can you leave work earlY?

good luck

cheers
Bob
.