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Use this guide to check a “Leaking” water heater. Many sus-
pected “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.
Water at the vent pipe is water vapor which has con-
densed out of the combustion products. This is
caused by a problem in the vent. Contact the gas
utility.
* Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid
weather or pipe connections may be leaking.
* The primary anode rod fitting may be leaking.
Small amounts of water from temperature-pressure
relief valve may be due to thermal expansion or high
water pressure in your area.
* The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leak-
ing at the tank fitting.
Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve
opened slightly.
* The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fitting.
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.
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 in the “Periodic Maintenance” section and then remove fitting. Put pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads
and replace. Then follow “Filling the Water Heater” instructions in the “Installing the New Water Heater” section.
Leakage Checkpoints
34
D
E
F
G
A
C
B
H
I
D
E
A
C
B
B
F
G
H
I
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 com-
pletely 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.