Water heater leaks.

**kingnus** · 04-25-2009, 07:56 AM

I have a water heater that leaks once a day from around the bottom. It leaks maybe 1/4 of a cup.
I can not see where it is coming from. Anyone have an ideas?
Charles

**kingsotall** · 04-25-2009, 07:59 AM

If you have determined that it is not coming from any other source above. (T&P connection, hot/cold connections etc.) then it may be the tank rusting out. How old and one kind of WH is this¿

**Gary Swart** · 04-25-2009, 08:53 AM

There are only 4 pipe connections water where water could be coming from that one might be able to repair: Intake, outlet, T/P valve, and the drain valve. Any place else, and it is a hole(s) in the tank, and it's game time.

**kingnus** · 04-25-2009, 10:59 AM

Water heater is a Rheem and 9 years old. Thing I do not under stand is why it on leaks once in a while. NOt leaking from any of the valves . I put a container under the valves so I know it is not leaking there.
Charles

**Cass** · 04-25-2009, 12:07 PM

The leaking hole is sealing up until there is enough pressure to cause it to leak again...it will eventualy start leaking and not stop...

**Gary Swart** · 04-25-2009, 03:54 PM

Do you have a pressure regulator valve on the main supply line and if so, do you have an thermal expansion tank? If you have a PRV and do not have an expansion tank or if you have a tank, the bladder could be shot. This would cause the T/P valve to open when the pressure get too high in the water heater. The T/P closes when the pressure is relieved and is no longer building up so the leak would be intermittent.