Hi - new here thought I'd give it a try. Have a water leak from my hot water tank. The leak is not at any fitting it's coming from the top "seam" where the side of the tank attaches (is welded? ) to the top. There's a slight dribble of water running from it down the side. I'm collecting about 1-2 cups of water a day right now. Is the tank on it's way out or is this fixable? It's a gas tank and sorry I do not know the brand off the top of my head. Maybe something like Polyglas or something, is that even a brand?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Dom...

Water heaters that leak from the seam are gone... sorry. In fact, it is nice that you have been able to collect water slowly, but you need to know that the water heater could start to leak very heavy at any time... so need to replace as soon as possible... O.K? Replace with a RUUD, STATE or Bradford white heater if possible... best brands in my opinion. I have not heard of polyglas in my area.

Sometimes water heaters trickle as yours has been... other times I have seen them let go and flood basements with 2-3 inches of water before people get home (I've seen as much as 2 foot flood because people were away for a few days).

If the water heater is in a finished basement it may be a good idea to purchase a water alarm for the future... just in case the next water heater lets go a little faster... ;) These water alarms are available at all home depot stores.

Let me know if you need anything else.

MARK

Thank you Mark for your quick response. I was think it was gone just wanted to confirm from someone who knows. I'm 20 minutes outside of Boston myself (West.) That probably wasn't the make but I think it says that on the side. Just going by memory, which isn't very good. Thanks again.

Glad to help...

Like Mark sez,
Time you send that old water heater to the "water heater boneyard". It's a flood waiting to happen. If you don't wish to install a Water Alarm another option would be to place a heater pan, (see image) under the new heater for insurance. And for easy installation pick up a water heater installation kit, (see image). Good luck, Tom

Thanks Speedball, I'll start looking for one. I'm thinking (hoping) I have a little time as the leak is very S-L-O-W

The problem with a S-L-O-W pressure leak is that it could open up and become a FAST one overnight. Don't wait too long! Good luck, Tom

That S-L-O-W leak will slowly get stronger. Most tanks are glass lined so you have a breach in the glass and then rust all the way through the thickness of the tank. You can spend as little as $200 or as much as $1600 depending on usage and what you select as the replacement. A O Smith makes a very fuel efficient model but tankless heaters by Rinnai and Paloma and others save a bundle but cost more up front.