Hot Water Heater Leaking at Hot Water Outlet (on top)

[Reastham]

I have a Whirlpool hot water heater that is about 6 yrs old. Yesterday morning I noticed a slow dribble leak from the hot water outlet. It seemed to be coming up from the tank, as not connections above were leaking or condensing. I turned off the water and researched online and decided to replace the heat traps. Once I got the old one removed, it was corroded (hot side), cold side was not. I replaced the old units, using teflon tape, but no matter how hard I tighten them I now have slow leaks from both sides! Considering how hard these were to remove, am I simply not tightening them enough? Every video online just shows the homeowner screwing the new ones in tight, no mention of extra effort or how hard to tighten them. What's going on? Could my tank need replacing due to some corrosion at the fitting on the tank side? Are washers necessary? Should I go to the gym more?

 

[Reach4]

Pictures are usually helpful.

Did you use pipe dope, PTFE tape, or both? Cheap or premium PTFE? How many wraps? Usually use about 3 wraps of the good stuff or 7 to 9 wraps of the cheap stuff. Pipe dope and tape together is best.

I am not a plumber.

You do need to use a fair amount of force if your wrenches are not 18 inches long.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reastham]

Pictures are usually helpful.

Did you use pipe dope, PTFE tape, or both? Cheap or premium PTFE? How many wraps? Usually use about 3 wraps of the good stuff or 7 to 9 wraps of the cheap stuff. Pipe dope and tape together is best.

I am not a plumber.

You do need to use a fair amount of force if your wrenches are not 18 inches long.

I used PTFE Tape alone (probably 3-4 wraps) and it was the only type my hardware store had available, so I'm guessing NOT the good stuff. I'm using an 18" wrench with a 2ft "cheater bar" for leverage. So tape & dope together, I'll try that.

 

[Dj2]

Do more wraps. 7 or 8. Use dope too.
Check the rubber washers inside the flex connectors - replace if needed.