akwoolf
New Member
Hello all-
I went into my utility room earlier this evening and it seemed a bit warmer than normal. I touched the top of the water heater and it was hot. I am not sure if this is because we were using a particulary higher amount of hot water, but I can say that the hot water happened to be running for a bath at the time. The thing that seemed a bit peculiar to me was that the plastic "washers" that fit in the hot and cold water "pipe holes" and the sacrificial anode rod were actually melting. Is this a sign of something amiss? The water heater is gas and has been in place for around 10 years The melting appears to be occuring nearest where the exhaust exits to the flue. I have included pictures to illustrate what is happening. In case the pictures aren't in a good resolution to tell, this plastic is actually in a melting state - soft to the touch-almost liquid. My biggest concern is if this may be a safety issue. As an added note, the flue takes a hard left horizontal turn and runs about 18' before heading vertical again and running up the chimney. I would also like to know if there are any potential safety issues with this configuration. I appreciate any feedback!
Thanks,
Tony
I went into my utility room earlier this evening and it seemed a bit warmer than normal. I touched the top of the water heater and it was hot. I am not sure if this is because we were using a particulary higher amount of hot water, but I can say that the hot water happened to be running for a bath at the time. The thing that seemed a bit peculiar to me was that the plastic "washers" that fit in the hot and cold water "pipe holes" and the sacrificial anode rod were actually melting. Is this a sign of something amiss? The water heater is gas and has been in place for around 10 years The melting appears to be occuring nearest where the exhaust exits to the flue. I have included pictures to illustrate what is happening. In case the pictures aren't in a good resolution to tell, this plastic is actually in a melting state - soft to the touch-almost liquid. My biggest concern is if this may be a safety issue. As an added note, the flue takes a hard left horizontal turn and runs about 18' before heading vertical again and running up the chimney. I would also like to know if there are any potential safety issues with this configuration. I appreciate any feedback!
Thanks,
Tony