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.

[Mike50]

Thanks Cass. My guy quoted me 450-500 installed. Just called Local Rooter and was quoted 750 installed.

[Cass]

If you can wait for your regular plumber it looks like he can save you some $$$$$. If not get 2 more prices.

[hj]

Unless you are by yourself, a 40 gallon heater is almost too small these days with the lower temperature recommended for safe use. $500 is closer to the correct price assuming it is not buried behind a water softener or furnace.

[Mike50]

Thanks..
This is a small leak. No panic.
All 3 guys quoted me 750-795 installed.
I'm waiting for my plumber friend on Tuesday...


Mike

[Randyj]

Lately I've been figuring $200 plus cost of materials. Last job I did came to $515 for a 50 gal replacement where a 30 gal was... in a mobile home. The rooter folks are always going to be much higher and give you a much better written warranty.

[Mike50]

I have an easily accessible electric 40 gallon. No corrision or whatever...
Thanks to this board--I know when I'm getting hosed.
Merry Xmas Ho-Ho-Ho

I guess when you use the "L WORD"-A Surcharge applies.

The L Word is of course L-E-A-K lol


Mike

[kordts]

If 3 local plumbers quoted you similar numbers, you are not getting hosed. Every area has different prevailing rates. When I install a heater, I use all brass fittings, remove the plastic drain valve and replace it with a fullport ball valve with a hose adapter. Some plumbers or handymen can do it cheaper, but not better.

[Mike50]

I waited and my guy quoted me 625. No haggling. Very happy with result. Pan-blanket as well.
Glad I waited. I told him when we met 2 years ago I would send him a very lucrative business/residential account. It paid off in spades with multiple remodels-same family. It's all good...

M.

[vaplumber]

Sounds like you did good with the pricing in your area. Considering pan/blanket you did well... And you know the man's work who did the job. At that age for that tank, replacing was the best choice. No use wasting money on trying to chase ghosts.