Leaky Water Heater

[Nick Weirich]

Looking for some ideas to identify problem. I've replaced 4 hot water heaters in 2 years, each lasting about 6 months. The first 3 were HTP electric 80 gallon heaters, they all seemed to leak around heating elements after 6 months. The most recent one was a Bradford White electric 80 gallon heater that sprung a leak in the tank about 6 inches above the top element. I'm on my second plumber and we cant figure it out. Original hot water heater was installed in 2008 and lasted until 2019. I have well water with softener system that's tested yearly with no obvious water contaminant issues. House plumbing is a mix of copper, CPVC and PEX. I haven't had any other issues with faucets, fixtures or pipes. Looks to be a lot of rust in tank but I didn't tear it apart since it was covered under warranty. Could this be some sort of an electrical problem, or should I try a different material anode maybe? Any advice or ideas would be great thanks

 

[Reach4]

Is your water fed by the copper pipes? I have seen suggestions to bypass ("bond") the pipes electrically.

https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/bonding-water-heater.42422/

I would stick a clamp around ammeter around one of your pipes to see if there is measurable current. Currents may be too small to measure. I really don't know what to think of this topic.

Another thought: if you are using resistance water heaters, the Rheem Marathon WHs are plastic, so are not subject to deterioration of metal. Just a thought for your searches.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Nick Weirich]

Is your water fed by the copper pipes? I have seen suggestions to bypass ("bond") the pipes electrically.

https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/bonding-water-heater.42422/

I would stick a clamp around ammeter around one of your pipes to see if there is measurable current. Currents may be too small to measure. I really don't know what to think of this topic.

Another thought: if you are using resistance water heaters, the Rheem Marathon WHs are plastic, so are not subject to deterioration of metal. Just a thought for your searches.

I did try the bonding of the cold to hot pipes but I guess I won’t know if it worked for a couple months. I’ll look into the plastic water heater. Thanks for the suggestions

 

[Fitter30]

Did you happen to use dielectric unions? Have you ever checked electrical panel ground and ground rod?

 

[Nick Weirich]

Did you happen to use dielectric unions? Have you ever checked electrical panel ground and ground rod?

We did use dielectric unions and I know I'm grounded to a rod but not sure how to test if I have a good ground. I'm neither a plumber or electrician, I know a little about both just enough to get me in trouble. Thanks for ideas

 

[Fitter30]

We did use dielectric unions and I know I'm grounded to a rod but not sure how to test if I have a good ground. I'm neither a plumber or electrician, I know a little about both just enough to get me in trouble. Thanks for ideas

Just make sure the clamp is tight around the rod and wire.