hot water heater leak and tankless water heater?

Posted by THO on October 28, 2006, 6:42 pm

It looks like I may need a new hot water heater. We lost hot water and
when I checked it out, there was water dripping from the emergency
release valve and a large amount of water on the floor (but less than
when the 2nd hot water heater died). The pilot was out also.

I'm curious about tankless heaters. The apartment has two sinks, a
bathtub, and dishwasher, and washing machine (rarely used with hot
water). Are tankless heaters appropriate for this type of usage? Can
anyone comment on their experiences and approximately how much it might
cost to install? Thanks.

Posted by Bob F on October 28, 2006, 6:46 pm

> It looks like I may need a new hot water heater. We lost hot water and
> when I checked it out, there was water dripping from the emergency
> release valve and a large amount of water on the floor (but less than
> when the 2nd hot water heater died). The pilot was out also.

If all the leakage came from the safety valve, you might have a
repairable problem. The valve, expansion tank, regulator could
be looked at. Did the leakage from the safety valve put out the
pilot?

Bob

Posted by THO on October 28, 2006, 8:06 pm

> > It looks like I may need a new hot water heater. We lost hot water and
> > when I checked it out, there was water dripping from the emergency
> > release valve and a large amount of water on the floor (but less than
> > when the 2nd hot water heater died). The pilot was out also.

>
> If all the leakage came from the safety valve, you might have a
> repairable problem. The valve, expansion tank, regulator could
> be looked at. Did the leakage from the safety valve put out the
> pilot?
>
> Bob

There didn't appear to be any water in the area where the pilot is. The
2nd floor's hot water heater is about 3/4 the size of ours but the
amount of water on the floor was perhaps 33% of what was there 2 months
ago when the 2nd floor tank leaked from the bottom. The pipe from the
safety valve was dripping a bit. After checking that the pipes and tank
were not warm, I tried opening that valve and only a bit of water came
out; it wouldn't close all the way unless I pushed down on the center
pin that the lever is attached to.

We did have some heavy winds today and a basement window was open. In
the past, that has caused the pilot to go out. That's what I thought had
happened when I heard there was no hot water. Could the pilot going out
have in any way caused the release of water?

Posted by briz on October 29, 2006, 7:40 am

With out looking at your water heater any advise on what the problem
might be is only a guess. however I do have experience with the
tankless water heaters.
When I built my new home in N.Florida I installed a tankless LP gas
water heater. Love it! Unlimited hot water and very cheep to run. I got
the 9.3 GPM heater becouse of the size of the house # of baths (3.5)
and dishwasher washer ect.I can shower have the kids run the bath
water and do laundry at the same time and have enough water. It was
expencive up front, 900.00, but the savings in the long run will pay
off. Also as a bonus, It is the size of a very small suitcase and
mounted on the outside of the house. No huge tank to store hot water
untill you might need it!
My mom bought a new house and had it set near by my home and first
thing we did was take out the tank style water heater and put in a 4
GPM electric tankless heater. this one was even smaller, cost less and
ave her a new closet to hang coats in. her Highest power bill this
summer was 80.00 in FL.!!!! unlimited hot water on demand! Tankless Is
the wat to go! I got both on Ebay!

Posted by hallerb@aol.com on October 29, 2006, 9:09 am

tankless poor choice in many areas

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