Leakage Checkpoints
Use this guide to check a “Leaking” water heater. Many suspected “Leakers” are not leaking tanks. Often the source of the water can be found and corrected.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with gas codes your water heater, and safety practices, contact the gas utility to check the water heater.
CAUTION
Read this manual first. Then before checking the water heater make sure the gas supply has been turned “OFF”, and never turn the gas “ON” before the tank is completely full of water.
CAUTION
Never use this water heater unless it is completely filled with water. To prevent damage to the tank, the tank must be filled with water. Water must flow from the hot water faucet before turning “ON” gas to the water heater.
A | Water at the draft hood is water vapor which has |
| condensed out of the combustion products. This is |
| caused by a problem in the vent. Contact the local |
| gas utility. |
B | *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid |
| weather or pipe connections may be leaking. |
C | *The primary anode rod fitting may be leaking. |
D | Small amounts of water from |
| relief valve may be due to thermal expansion or high |
| water pressure in your area. |
E | *The |
| ing at the tank fitting. |
F | Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve |
| opened slightly. |
G | *The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fitting. |
H | Combustion products contain water vapor which can |
| condense on the cooler surfaces of the tank. Droplets |
| form and drip into the fire or run on the floor. This is |
| common at the time of startup after installation and |
| when incoming water is cold. |
I | Water in the water heater bottom or on the floor may |
| be from condensation, loose connections, or the |
| relief valve. DO NOT replace the water heater until |
| a full inspection of all possible water sources is made |
| and necessary corrective steps taken. |
| Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or |
| ground seepage should also be checked. |
*To check where threaded portion enters tank, insert cotton swab between jacket opening and fitting. If cotton is wet, follow “Draining” instructions and then remove fitting. Put pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads and replace. Then follow instruc- tions in the “Filling the Water Heater” section.
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