We have a Rheem water heater that is about 11 years old. Works perfect but it appears to be leaking from where the cold and hot water connect and also the pressure relief valve and possibly the annode. Odd thing is they all started leaking at the same time. They are corroded.
I was ready to replace the water heater and spoke to a plumber who said that the copper inlet/outlet should not be connected directly to the water heater. We have PEX which is connected to copper which connects directly to the water heater without any galvanized pipe. He said it should have been installed with a di-electric union which would have prevented the corrosion.
Is this true? If so, why would all of the fittings leak at the same time? Is this just a cooincidence?
Should I replace or repair the water heater?
I was ready to replace the water heater and spoke to a plumber who said that the copper inlet/outlet should not be connected directly to the water heater. We have PEX which is connected to copper which connects directly to the water heater without any galvanized pipe. He said it should have been installed with a di-electric union which would have prevented the corrosion.
Is this true? If so, why would all of the fittings leak at the same time? Is this just a cooincidence?
Should I replace or repair the water heater?