My water heater is leaking hot water from the outlet (on the heater) that lead in to the house, is it shot?
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Answers:
Probably. That is a somewhat unusual failure mode; more often, water leaks from the bottom. But it is a possible failure, especially if the device is electric rather than gas.
that can just be that the pipe has come loose. you need to get a plumber check because if it leaks to much water out you can end up with the heating element burning out and will cost more to fix than just a leak that is if it is just the pipes leaking. if it is leaking out the tank you definitely have a problem. plus you need to see how old the water heater is. you should see if any one you know has ever worked on one so you can save money. get it checked as soon as you can.
You didn't say how old it is. Most water heaters need to be replaced every five to ten years, depending on the hardness of the water in your area. Water under heat is the real culprit because of the minerals that develope in the appliance whether it be a hot water heater, washing machine, dish washer, even hot water valves on sinks.
If there is no water leak from the bottom and it is leaking from the pipe that leads from water heater to house, it is probably a bad solder joint on the pipe and this could be fixed fairly easily.
Make sure you know the exact origin of the leak first, then commence to fix it. If it is a copper pipe you need to drain the water and resolder. If you don't know how to do this, get a plumber to do it for you.
The saying goes.Keep your foot out of the carburetor .. this means the water heater too.: )
Clarification: The pipe that leads into the house? Or are you saying the pipe leaks into the house...? Not clear in your question. But here are three answers to cover three possibilities... If the outlet side pipe, which supplies hot water for use to the inside of the house is leaking after it leaves the heater, this is just a plumbing issue and has nothing to do with the viability of the unit. If the pressure relief valve, which is usually connected to the top of a vertical pipe leading straight down toward the ground but not connected to anything, is dripping it can be that the valve is either defective or the tank is developing too much pressure and the valve is doing it's job. Call a plumber! If the drain valve, which just looks like a little faucet on the bottom side of the tank, is dripping... it may be cracked, broken or just not turned off very well.
Good luck!
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