On 11 Sep 2006 22:04:58 -0700, 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 ?

Yes, until you can repair it. Yes, turn off the gas.


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 ?

Maybe.


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 ?

Yes, if that's the source of the leak. It is safe if you turn off the
water going to the heater but be aware of any hot water.

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


Not complicated. Consider replacing the tank with a new tank (about
$250). Usually a plumber or an experienced handyman can do this job.
This is a DIY project or you can pay $100 or so to have it installed.
Gas lines use pipe dope, water connections use Teflon tape.


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

Thanks
NeedHelp.