I woke this morning and noticed approx 2 cups of water around the hot water heater. I later determined it was coming from the leg on the hot water heater. The water heater is a natural gas heater with a 50gallon tank (made or sold by Rheem)and it was made in 2003 with a 12year warranty. I called the # for service and they had me first do a "leak test" which had me turn the gas setting to pilot and wait an hour and look for leaks.
After calling them back and telling them I couldn't see any leaks they said "it was just condensation then." Since I have turned the gas back to the "on" setting the waterdrip has come back. I can't actually see the water dripping (it's not fast) but when I put a paper towel down near the legs, the towel will have some water spots after a few minutes.
It is really hot and humid right now, but I thought water heaters only get condensation when they are first filled up. I haven't seen this happen since we moved into the house in 2005. I am on city water and I don't think hard water is an issue.
Should I be worried about a catastrophic failure of the tank?
Thanks for any and all advice.
After calling them back and telling them I couldn't see any leaks they said "it was just condensation then." Since I have turned the gas back to the "on" setting the waterdrip has come back. I can't actually see the water dripping (it's not fast) but when I put a paper towel down near the legs, the towel will have some water spots after a few minutes.
It is really hot and humid right now, but I thought water heaters only get condensation when they are first filled up. I haven't seen this happen since we moved into the house in 2005. I am on city water and I don't think hard water is an issue.
Should I be worried about a catastrophic failure of the tank?
Thanks for any and all advice.
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