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Posted by George E. Cawthon on June 26, 2006, 11:50 pm
ladypoetic@adelphia.net wrote:
> I have a fairly new (about 4 to 5 y/o) 40 gallon, electric, GE hot
> water tank. It started leaking from the drain valve or around it (I
> cannot tell). When I turn the water supply to the tank on; water
> starts pouring out from the valve almost immediately. Question is....
> is it possible that this is just a faulty valve or does it sound more
> like I need a new tank?
> I thought the latter.. but am still hopeful it might just be the drain
> valve I would prefer to be at least a little knowledgeable before
> having a plumber come look at it... help.. :o(
>
> Thanks in advance
> Poe
>
You have some good answers, if the valve is
plastic, it may be cracked. If the valve is
metal, the valve seal (what keeps the water in
when you tighten the handle, may be bad. Or, it
might be leaking where the valve attaches to the tank.
Here are the tests, buy a cap that screws goes on
the end of a garden hose; you can buy these
separately, there are usually two on a Y for
hoses, and they often come on impact sprinkler
stakes. Screw this on the valve,tighten, and turn
on the water supply. If there is no water
leaking anywhere, the rubber seal in the valve has
failed. The easiest repair for you would be to
buy a new valve that fits on a hose thread and
just screw it on to the valve. If there is water
squirting out, the valve is cracked or there is a
leak at the valve to tank connection. In either
case the valve will need to be taken off and
replaced or the connection sealed. There is one
other very bad possibility and that is the valve
is ok an so is the connection but the tank is
leaking near the valve. This would mean that you
need a new tank. Good Luck.
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