0

I came home from work today to find that the hot water wasn't working. I opened the area to my gas hot water tank and there's a large pool of water on the ground. I checked the pilot light and it appears to have gone out.

I removed the pipe attached to the temperature and pressure release valve and tested the temperature and pressure release valve. Some copper colored water came out but soon ran clear. The water coming from the tank is not hot and I do not smell gas. There is what appears to be buildup around the temperature and pressure release valve. The tank is currently not leaking. Could this have quickly leaked water and caused the pilot light to also go out somehow?

water tank temperature and pressure release valve water tank temperature and pressure release valve

Any ideas to what could have happened and how to go about fixing it? Thanks

4
  • Time for a new one =].
    – Tyson
    May 5, 2016 at 0:08
  • How old is the tank?
    – Tester101
    May 5, 2016 at 2:18
  • What's the make and model of the unit?
    – Tester101
    May 5, 2016 at 13:08
  • State Industries, Inc. PR640N0DSV2. The tank is quite old. Manufactured in 1998 and in use in 1999.
    – Hamer
    May 5, 2016 at 15:38

2 Answers 2

1

These are all signs that the tank has corroded through. Looks like you should be in the market for a new hot water tank.

1
  • 1
    Exactly what are these "signs" that it is rusted through? Wouldn't it be prudent to get more information and troubleshoot a bit before recommending the OP spend hundreds of dollars? May 5, 2016 at 5:56
-2

One thing's for sure:

Turn off the gas to the heater.

The pipe may still be connected, and you're not smelling anything, but that pipe is still pumping gas into the heater. That's a MAJOR safety hazard, and if I were you, I'd get an electric heater, unless you have no other choice but to get a gas heater.

1
  • 2
    Gas heaters have pilot sensors that shut off the gas to deal with just such a situation. May 5, 2016 at 12:07

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.