Gas Water Heater Leak

[Tamara Robinson]

Hello to anyone that can help!

I have a 2 yr. 9 month old gas water heater in the attic of my home.  My Son noticed that the hot water went out while taking a shower.  We went into the attic and noticed water pouring from the Honeywell temperature control panel.  There are no other leaks but it looks as if someone is pouring water out of a cup.

I've shut off the water valve on top of the tank but noticed that the leak is now a little bit more than a drip.

Any thoughts?  All help is welcomed.  Thank you!

[Matt R.]

Originally posted by @Tamara Robinson:

I called Bradford White this morning and they are sending out a plumber on Monday @ at no charge. They will cover the parts but I pickup the tab for labor.

All water is off, all gas if off, there is a huge drip pan underneath the tank which carries the water to an outside drain on the side of my home.

Good to hear that they are standing behind it.  I think that deal is pretty normal... if the heater had failed within 6 or 12 months of being brand new, they would pay the labor as well, but for most of the warranty they just provide parts.

That drain pan is required by building code, for exactly this reason - water heaters eventually leak.  You might put it on your "spring cleaning" list to check both ends of that drain tube (in the pan and on the outside of your house) for bugs, spider webs, etc.  If you have a Shop-Vac or equal vacuum that can stand having water in it, you might apply it to the outside end of the drain a couple of times a year, just to get rid of possible crud in the drain pipe.  If you're really feeling exuberant, send the kid up into the attic while you vacuum the drain on the outside to make sure there is suction up at the drain pan end - if not, figure out where the clog is and unclog it.

Thanks for posting back with the results!

Matt R.