I have a leak issue with a gas water heater and need help diagnosing the problem.
I thought it would be easiest by explaining the setup of the system. I have a 65 gallon natural gas water heater in my garage (warranty just expired unfortunately). It is connected to a recirculating pump, and also has a 2 gallon expansion tank connected to its top.
About 2 years ago, I noticed water slowly seeping on the garage floor. Turns out it was coming out of the t and p valve. I had a plumber come by, and he was in a rush so basically he told me what to do and I repaced it myself. The heater worked fine, however water continued to drain at a very slow rate out of the valve, so I placed a pan in the garage to collect the water and never had any issues.
A couple of nights ago, the pilot light was out in the unit. I discovered a small amount of water in the bottom of the unit in the pilot light area, and a small amount of water dropping onto the ground below the heater. I was able to get the pilot relit, and I had a couple of plumbers come by. They believed the tank was leaking and I needed a replacement, so I have gotton a couple of quotes.
While one of the plumbers was looking at it, I noticed the pan where the t and p valve drains was empty. For no particular reason, I decided to pull the lever and let a bit of water out of the t and p valve.
Well, a day later and the pan under the t and p valve is full, and the inside of the heater that was previously wet is completely dry.
Problem solved? Maybe I need a new expansion tank along with a new t and p valve? Is it possible there was a leak somewhere inside the unit along the t and p line(there is no water leaking along the exterior where the t and p valve is).
Any experiences with this sort of problem or advice would be greatly appreciated. I certainly don't want to spend the money for a new tank if mine has more life. Thanks in advance.
I thought it would be easiest by explaining the setup of the system. I have a 65 gallon natural gas water heater in my garage (warranty just expired unfortunately). It is connected to a recirculating pump, and also has a 2 gallon expansion tank connected to its top.
About 2 years ago, I noticed water slowly seeping on the garage floor. Turns out it was coming out of the t and p valve. I had a plumber come by, and he was in a rush so basically he told me what to do and I repaced it myself. The heater worked fine, however water continued to drain at a very slow rate out of the valve, so I placed a pan in the garage to collect the water and never had any issues.
A couple of nights ago, the pilot light was out in the unit. I discovered a small amount of water in the bottom of the unit in the pilot light area, and a small amount of water dropping onto the ground below the heater. I was able to get the pilot relit, and I had a couple of plumbers come by. They believed the tank was leaking and I needed a replacement, so I have gotton a couple of quotes.
While one of the plumbers was looking at it, I noticed the pan where the t and p valve drains was empty. For no particular reason, I decided to pull the lever and let a bit of water out of the t and p valve.
Well, a day later and the pan under the t and p valve is full, and the inside of the heater that was previously wet is completely dry.
Problem solved? Maybe I need a new expansion tank along with a new t and p valve? Is it possible there was a leak somewhere inside the unit along the t and p line(there is no water leaking along the exterior where the t and p valve is).
Any experiences with this sort of problem or advice would be greatly appreciated. I certainly don't want to spend the money for a new tank if mine has more life. Thanks in advance.