Hi There,

My gas water heater developed a leak but it is coming through the discharge valve towards the bottom of the tank. This is the valve where I hook up the hose to flush the tank... Does this mean that the tank is breaking? I opened the valve an tried to flush it but the leak won't stop and it is getting worse. Do I need a new tank? Does it pay to go tankless?

Thanks for your help.

Ruben

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Do I need a new tank?

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Nah! Easy fix! You had a boiler drain go south.
Shut the power and water off to the tank and drain it. Remove the boiler drain,(see image) A take it in to be replaced. Pick up a small roll of Teflon Tape at the same time. Tape the threads, screw the valve in and turn the water back on to fill the tank. Open a hot water faucet while filling the tamk to relieve the air pressure. When water shoots out of the faucet close it, turn the power back on and you're back in business.. Good luck, Tom

Thanks, Tom.

I have two tanks that are ~11 years old and I have been told that I should replace both of them before they burst. Is 11 years over the life limit of normal tanks? Am I asking for a trouble if I do not replace them?

I would just replace the drain valve as Tom suggested. Some tanks will last a year, some will last 30 plus. As of right now, you have a simple drain leak. As long as you keep an eye on the water heater, I wouldn't replace it till it starts leaking from the tank itself. And when it does start leaking, it isn't going to burst, its just going to leak. The pressure temperature relief vavle will go off before the tank actually burst.

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Originally Posted by Ruben V

Thanks, Tom.

I have two tanks that are ~11 years old and I have been told that I should replace both of them before they burst. Is 11 years over the life limit of normal tanks? Am I asking for a trouble if I do not replace them?

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And I'm still using the built in counter top, 30n gallon, one element water heater that came with my house 55 years ago. Go figure! Cheers, Tom