On Friday, June 23, 2017 at 4:14:05 PM UTC-5, Uncle Dan wrote:
Kenmore gas water heater installed 1/10/17. No dents or obvious external
damage to the tank. Everything worked fine for 5 months.
Leaked last night. Steady drip, say one half gallon per minute, visible from
the bottom of the tank. The back side of the tank€”not near any fitting.
I shut off the gas, turned off the water supply, ran out a little water to
relieve the pressure€”leak stopped.
Came back this morning, re-pressurized the tank. The leak came back for less
than sixty seconds, then stopped by itself.
Turned the gas back on, relit the burner, everything back as it was. No leak
now for about 5 hours.
What might be the source of an intermittent leak in a brand new tank?
--



If the water heater burner was lit before the tank was filled, it would crack the glass lining inside the tank. If there was a defective weld on the tank, water could seep out. There is also a possibility of rough handling during manufacture or transportation. See if the tank insulation is wet. You may be able access it where the burner is. ヽ(ヅ)ノ

[8~{} Uncle Water Monster