[Ruth Moore]

Model LPT52 purchase date 03/07/08. Spot of paint bubbling up on outside of tank and wet to the touch, indicating tank is rusting through. Has been kept under cover and not exposed to the elements. Our last tank lasted over 30 years, but this one is only 8 years old with only 5 year warranty. Can it be repaired? New tanks are much too expensive right now.

[smoothy]

I would say no... the internal coating had a flaw or inclusion that allowed rust to start. What is on the inside will be significantly worse than the small portion that has worked its way to the outside. Being this is under pressure... when it fails.. its going to be spraying water under pressure, maybe a little...maybe a lot. And that can happen at any point of time now. Most likely at the least opportune moment. If this is inside your house..it could lead to flooding your basement before you notice.

[Milo Dolezal]

Agree with above post. Replace the entire tank. I have never heard of anyone trying to repair rusting tank. Even when the tank is in sheltered enclosure ( or room ), it deals with condensation that occurs between the tank and tank cover that eventually makes the tank to rust. I would replace it from safety reasons.

Milo

[jlisenbe]

This is a pressure tank as I understand it, and not a water heater. In a bladder type tank, which this one is, the water does not come in contact with the side of the tank. It is contained in the bladder. Other than some condensation, the top of the tank is supposed to be air only. I would suggest you call the manufacturer and see what they say about this.

Never mind. This is a diaphragm tank as opposed to a bladder tank. Water does contact the side of the tank. My bad.