So I have a leak...

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Zing

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The gas water tank is a RuudGlas Pacemaker, 089110?033 (the ? looks like it might be a 4). The tank is at least 6 years old.

The leak is in the hot water line coming out of the tank. This picture shows where the leak is (the taped one is leaking; the tape is a weak attempt to slow the leak), aside from the leak the taped one looks like the untaped one):

This is the connection into the tank... it doesn't look too good. Is this a rusted out tank? The rest of the tank looks ok, but this part doesn't

Thanks for any advice. =)
 
I would not bother messing with that mess. I assume the tank is a 6yr warranty, so you should just change it out. Do not use those cheap flex supplies that were used last time.
 
I would replace those galvanised nipples with brass nipples. Lose the flexis. The tank should be fine.
 
so does 0891 from the start of the serial number mean it was manufactured in Aug of '91? So the tank could be around 16 years old?

So if we went for a new tank, whirlpool would be one to avoid? Otherwise are they all pretty much the same?

Again, thanks for the advice.
 
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Zing said:
so does 0891 from the start of the serial number mean it was manufactured in Aug of '91? So the tank could be around 16 years old?

So if we went for a new tank, whirlpool would be one to avoid? Otherwise are they all pretty much the same?

Again, thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...

ya sounds like the tank is 16yrs old replace it. I would do a search of the forums for water heaters. You would find all you need to know. I would also check out the tankless thread.
 
construct30 said:
A hot water tank IMO is not a diy project unless you have a good back ground in plumbing.
Click to expand...

I don't think this poster has any intentions of doing it themselves. Note the electrical tape leak-stop. ;)
 
It's leaking, point made. Get rid of the flex lines. Most codes require the use of heat trap nipples or pipe loops on the tanks to save energy. The nipples have little rubber flappers in them to help keep the hot water in the tank, we have to use them or make a big nasty loop.

Some DIYers will try anything, just stating the obvious.
 
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There is always debate as to if the heat trap nipples are dielectric or not. I have hooked up to them without trouble. Code does require either the flex lines or a union in most areas. You are not allowed to directly plumb into the tank. I use the unions rather than the flex pipes. I have heard talk that in some areas flex pipe will soon be required because of vibration. I wonder how long it will be before it is code, then what about the gas lines or rigid conduit for the power?
 
In earthquake country, like the West coast, it's already expected that flex connectors for gas and water are used.

If the water heater has plastic lined galvanized pipe nipples, I use those, if not, I use brass.
With brass, when I go back fifteen years later I can reuse them.
 
Flex

FLEX IS TOO THIN HARD PIPE YOUR NEW w/h .GO WITH RHEEM OR OTHERS
STAY AWAY FROM WIRILPOOP.:D
 
construct30 said:
A hot water tank IMO is not a diy project unless you have a good back ground in plumbing.
Click to expand...


yar, I was only being fool enough to think about replacing the flexi line but I wouldn't do a full replacement. I didn't realize the tank was that old. I found these forums researching the possibly of tank-less.

Thanks for the feed back.
 
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Anecdotal post. I am not a pro - the only failure I have had in interior plumbing in 50 years or so was an amateur patch to a radiant baseboard system that used the corrigated copper stuff. In the ceiling, 3 days before inspection for sale contract. It was clearly a patch. My take on the pipe was that it flexed enough on those thin corrigations to cause stress fractures.
 
Not sure what the perceived problem is with flex copper lines to connect water heaters. It seems to be a very common practice, and my supply house furnishes them with the heaters they sell. Now, nothing is forever, but unless the flex line is kinked or otherwise damaged, they should last the life the heater. I like the brass nipples. If the tank is 16 years old, I'd sure consider a new one. The Rheem/GE seems to be an excellent choice, and yes, do stay away from Whirlpool.
 
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