Leaky Water Heater?

[Mike Lamb]

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This water tank looks like it had a past leak but all was dry during the inspection. Can a water heater leak and then self seal itself like leaky pipes and drains sometimes do?

[Marc]

I've known connections to seal after a while but given the amount of corrosion present on this appliance, I'd write it up.

Marc

[inspector808]

Is it the original tank? If not, perhaps the previous tank leaked and caused the water staining.

If it is the original, the tank may have sediment accumulated inside and the sediment may have temporarily sealed a small leak.

[hausdok]

I don't think it's either of those scenarios; it's sitting on a cold concrete floor and is probably causing some condensation. I see the bottoms of these housings rusted out all the time from sitting on cold concrete but have never seen one rusted out or stained where they place one of those two-inch-thick styrofoam insulating pads.

Did you pull the covers off the elements to see if one was leaking? Sometimes the threaded bosses where the elements are screwed in are oozing water.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Mike Lamb]

It was a 2001 gas fired Kenmore. I'm leaning towards a self sealed leak. Corrosion, rust, puddle marks were all at the back of the unit.

[Les]

Mike, are you sure that is an eight year old gas fired kenmore? If it is, I have never seen anything like it around here!

[Mike Lamb]

Mike, are you sure that is an eight year old gas fired kenmore? If it is, I have never seen anything like it around here!

Yes. 50 gal. low boy.

[kurt]

I've seen water heaters leak and then "repair themselves".