Electric hot water heaters?

by Water Heaters on July 16, 2010

our water heater has water on the floor near it.we know its not leaking or overflowing.its like its sweating.so my brother turns the heater down on it & shut off the hot water in the powder room (1/2 bath) facuet,because it drips on the hot water side.thinking this is causing the problem.can it be the problem or is it something else.thanks


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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Bare B July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

There is a little brass valve with a "handle" on the top of your water heater. This is a pop off valve put there if your heater overheats and takes the water inside to steam. Steam causes pressure, and it is there to relieve that pressure before the tank explodes. If the water is normal temperature, there is a chance this valve may be leaking.

You can replace it easily, but make sure you get one with an identical set pressure. This setting was calculated by the manufacturer and should be replaced with same for safety.

RmW July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

It is not possible for a hot water heater to sweat.

Check the manufacture date on the plate on the water heater. If it is beyond the average life for that heater (look it up on the manufacturer’s website) replace it. You are asking for trouble.

If not, wipe up the water and lay a dry towel down on the floor and check it regularly. Check to see the direction where the water is flowing from. If it is the hot water tank, replace it asap.

srmainman July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

It is leaking somewhere. Either the tank is corroded or the gaskets around the elements, or one of the pipe fittings. It is probably trickling down somewhere hard to see, but you can find it with a close examination.
The faucet drip has nothing to do with it.

Bill July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Did you check the over flow pipe for the pressure relief valva?

Thomas G July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

why would anyone heat hot water?(hot water heater)

John F July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Something has to be leaking. As someone pointed out, hot water heaters do not sweat. The 3 most likely leak suspects would be 1) the tank, 2) the pressure relief valve, 3) pipe joints connecting to the water heater or close by.

Brian A July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

I cannot envision a scenario in which a water heater would "sweat". It is either leaking or something nearby is leaking causing the puddle.

henryswtzr July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

It sounds to me like it might be leaking, it is not common to have one sweat either. Have you ever considered a tankless water heater, they save money and take up about a 1/4 of the room the traditional one does.

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