17
LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS
Instructions:
Use this illustration as a guide when checking for sources of water leakage. You or your dealer may be able to correct what
appears to be a problem.
NOTE: Cover and Insulation shown removed to reveal tank top.
Relief Valve
To Open Drain
Condensation and dripping may appear
on pipes when cold water temperature is
low. Pipe fitting may be leaking.
Relief valve operation and leakage
may be due to water expansion during
heating cycle or foreign material on seat
of valve. If the valve is not piped to an
open drain the released water could be
mistaken for a leaking heater. To check
where threaded material between jacket
opening and swab spud area. Remove
valve* if indicated and repair with pipe
joint compound.
Water on the side of the tank may
be condensation due to the panel or
insulation not being in place.
Drain valve leakage could be from the
valve itself.* To check for leakage where
threaded portion enters tank, insert Q-tip
or similar absorbent material between
jacket opening and valve to swab spud
area. Remove valve* if leak is indicated
and repair with pipe joint compound.
*Contact your dealer as it is necessary to
shut off electricity and drain tank to perform
procedure.
Water leaks at the elements may be due
to:
1. Defective element which leaks at
terminals or thru flange. Replace
element*.
2.
Loose element/gasket leak:
(a) Screw-in type: tighten with 1-1/2”
socket wrench. If leak continues,
remove element*, discard gasket
and clean thread areas.Apply
nonhardening Permatex Number 2
to thread areas, install new gasket
and screw element into fitting until
it seats. Tighten 1/2 to 3/4 turn with
wrench.
(b) Flange type: tighten screw with
wrench. If leak continues remove
element* and discard gasket. Clean
gasket seating areas and re-install
element with new gasket. A new
element may be required where
threads have become rusted or
damaged, preventing tightening.
All water which appears at the water
heater bottom or on the surrounding floor
may be caused by condensation, loose
connections or relief valve operation
and leakage. Do not replace the water
heater until full inspection of all potential
leak points is made and corrective steps
taken to stop the leak. Leakage from other
appliances, water lines or ground (see
page 16) should also be suspected until
proven otherwise.
Anode Rod (Some Models)
Where possible remove or lift top cover to
examine threads of fittings installed into tank
for evidence of leakage. Correct fitting leaks
as necessary.
To Open Drain
FIGURE 6
