water heater

[matt2]

Heres another water heater question. It may be dumb but better to ask a dumb question than to not ask and have a problem. I live in a mobile home and my water heater is in a closet. I just recently had to replace the flooring under the heater because of two leaks, in the piping, within one year. Yesterday I noticed that the new floor which is now treated ply(and not particle board) was a little damp around the edges of the heater. Is this normal or is it posible I have a small leak somewhere at te bottom of the heater. I had to put a new drain valve onto the heater when I replaced the flooring, I don't see any water around the drain valve yet is it possible that it might have a small leak.Thanks in advance.

[hj]

You do not say, but from your descsription I assume this is an electric water heater. If so indent the jacket at the lower pan and see if there is water inside it. If so you have a leak. Unless the leak is at the drain valve, one of the pipe connections at the top of the tank, or a leaking heating element, it will not be repairable.

[matt2]

Thanks I'll check that out. It is in fact an electric. I know it is not at the pipes up top. I did notice that when I pulled the water heater out a while ago the water in the bottom of the tank was very brown ans nasty. Could that play a part. I don't know if that is normal either.