Water heater-wet spot

[Mike50]

Circular Wet spot directly underneath water heater in garage. (no pan) Seems to have slow leak into corner of bedroom. It's due date is up. Is it shot??
Just checking the obvious here....

thanks..

Mike

[Cass]

If there are no leaks on the top at the inlet and outlet and at the T&P the only other places are the thermostat and drain cock. If none there then the tank needs to be replaced. Look with a good light to be sure. You need to find a water trail leading to the floor or a drip.

What brand is it and how old is it?

[Mike50]

Cass, I checked and there are no leaks from any piping anywhere. The tank is flush with the ground and that is where leak (wet spot) is coming from.
It's a Reliant 501 5 year tank.
Was here when I moved in----February of 2001.

I check it after showering. Maybe it's my imagination but the tank is clearly making
a whoosh-wave sound. Laboring slightly.

It IS however next to washer which had some issues a couple years back.

Mike

[Cass]

For some reason I was thinking it was a gas heater.

Did you check the elements for leaks?

[Mike50]

Cass, I am unable to closely inspect anything--just had a angioplasty thing done.
My trusted plumber friend is out of town. damn...

I'm getting it replaced. It's due and water is leaching up the wall...
What is *price range* for 40 gallon installed iyo. Brands??

Mike

[Cass]

I have no idea what the going rates are in your area. Get a couple of prices since the plumber you trust is gone.