- This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 19 years, 9 months ago by
Selgas.
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ddeltodhc
Our 50 gallon nat. gas water heater is leaking. A plumber came yesterday (Friday) and confirmed that the bottom of the tank was rotted and leaking and the tank would need to be replaced. This could not be done until Monday, so the plumber said if it starts leaking worse to turn the valve at the very top. He said we would still have water, but no hot water.
We did shut off that valve this morning, and the gas, but the tank is still leaking quite a bit. Is there any other way to turn off the water heater to stop the leak until it can be fixed on Monday? The wh is in the garage, but there is still significant water leaking and even water leaking through the outside wall where the brick meets the foundation and we are afraid this could case other major damage before it can be repaired. Thanks!
L. Knickerbocker -
Shutting off the water main will eliminate the water.
What is happening is everytime you open a valve, it is sending some water over to the hot side if you are using single handle faucets; this will cause water to go into the hot water lines.
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You need to isolate the hwh. thats why two valves should aalways be installed one to stop cold in and one to stop hot out ,
Once pressure is relieved leak should stop -
Connect a hose to drain on WH and let it run out of garage, the wh will drain and any other water will drain out too.
Art retired plbg -
In reply to message posted by epacertified:
You need to isolate the hwh. thats why two valves should aalways be installed one to stop cold in and one to stop hot out ,
Once pressure is relieved leak should stop
^^^^ Plumbing Inspectors will not pass a outgoing valve on a water heater (hot side). Reason:
The average homeowner can easily shut down both valves, NOT turn off the power (gas or electric) to the water heater and now you are totally relying on a T&P that is notorious for failing and not opening up if it is calcified.
That will instantly give you a homemade pressure cooker with no way to relieve itself if the T&P doesn’t open. Less of a chance of danger if the thermal expansion has a place to go in the system or back out to the main if it is not a closed system. (PRV or Double Check Valve Assembly)
Cold water inlet valve serves the purpose of shutting off all water to the hot side.
Follow Retired Plbg.’s advice or refrain from using the water until the problem is resolved.
“Your best interest is secured by making the right decisions the first time.” -
I’m with you on this one Dunbar – the cylinder is leaking – turn off the gas to the unit and the cold water feeding the cylinder, drain down the cylinder and wait for the Plumber to arrive to replace the water heater.
No valves should be fitted on the outlet of the cylinder ESPECIALLY if it is gas fired as the heat recovery with gas is way faster than electric and if both valves were fitted and shut down with the gas still running a time bomb is sure to be the result.
Selgas Services Ltd
Craftsman Gasfitters, Plumbers, Electrical Service Technicians
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