ozarkobie
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Facts:
30 Gal Kenmore (this is another story) self installed April 07.
Closed system, PRV in supply line near heater.
No expansion tank installed (haven't had one for 20 years).
Situation:
Yesterday morning early, my tenant calls and tells me he heard water running through the lines and traced it to the Hot water heater. Water was in the closet, running into the garage as well as a hallway inside the house.
My inspection indicated no leaks at any of the fittings, T&P valve, and no condensation on cold water supply lines.
The leak was comming from the bottom of the tank in a trickling stream not a drip (enough for the tank to be calling for supply...could hear it re-filling).
I tested the T&P valve and it opened fine, when I did this, the trickle at the bottom of the tank stopped.
Opening a hot water tap also stopped the trickle.
When I turned the supply off, the trickle stopped as well.
Because there is so much water on the platform it is hard to tell if there is any dripping when supply is interrupted.
My understanding of thermal expansion indicates that there might be a cup or two of water forced out but not a constant trickle and certainly not as much as I am seeing.
What is your best guess as to what is causing this leak?
If it is a leaky tank, how do I convince Sears that a 4 month old H2O heater is faulty (they can't get a "technician" out to check it out for another 8 days).
30 Gal Kenmore (this is another story) self installed April 07.
Closed system, PRV in supply line near heater.
No expansion tank installed (haven't had one for 20 years).
Situation:
Yesterday morning early, my tenant calls and tells me he heard water running through the lines and traced it to the Hot water heater. Water was in the closet, running into the garage as well as a hallway inside the house.
My inspection indicated no leaks at any of the fittings, T&P valve, and no condensation on cold water supply lines.
The leak was comming from the bottom of the tank in a trickling stream not a drip (enough for the tank to be calling for supply...could hear it re-filling).
I tested the T&P valve and it opened fine, when I did this, the trickle at the bottom of the tank stopped.
Opening a hot water tap also stopped the trickle.
When I turned the supply off, the trickle stopped as well.
Because there is so much water on the platform it is hard to tell if there is any dripping when supply is interrupted.
My understanding of thermal expansion indicates that there might be a cup or two of water forced out but not a constant trickle and certainly not as much as I am seeing.
What is your best guess as to what is causing this leak?
If it is a leaky tank, how do I convince Sears that a 4 month old H2O heater is faulty (they can't get a "technician" out to check it out for another 8 days).