Leaking Atwood water heater

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Leaking Atwood water heater

Home > Discussion Forum > Mechanic's Corner (general)

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All Messages in Thread	Author	Date
Leaking Atwood water heater	Jo Bloedel	6-29-08
Can you help? I have an Atwood gas/electric 10 gallon water heater with a leak somewhere. Water accumulates in the styrofoam casing the water heater is housed in and eventually spills over the lip when it reaches that point. I haven't removed the heater to inspect the tank yet, but that will be my next step unless you can suggest something. I have checked the connections for the cold water intake, the hot water output and the electric heating element. The pressure relief valve is functioning correctly. This leads me to believe there is a leak in the tank itself, but it appears it only leaks when the system is under pressure, either using the pump or an outside water source and the leak is not present when the water is heating by either gas or electric sources. If it is a leaking tank - is is possible to have it welded or will I need to replace the tank?
Re: Leaking Atwood water heater	Jo Bloedel	6-30-08
Keith, Thanks for the response... My motorhome is a 2005 so the water heater is only 3 years old and I have flushed the tank on a regular basis and have not see any evidence of corrosion is the discharged water. That being said, you are probably right - what is the life expectancy of a Atwood water heater? Actually, I think it has been leaking since it was new and I just didn't realize it because it got little use until 6 months ago when I starting traveling full time.
Re: Leaking Atwood water heater	Keith	6-29-08
Hi Jo, Sounds like the tank is leaking. Pretty common, it really doesn't pay to try to weld it as the aluminum is corroded thru and thin, who knows how big an area it covers. You should be able to buy just the tank, it saves a little $, but then again if it's an older unit who knows how long the old control will last. Just trying to help you look at both ways. Personally, I'd replace the whole unit. But of course the choice is yours. Good luck!
Re: Leaking Atwood water heater	Keith	6-30-08
HiJo, There's pretty much only a couple of places a water heater can leak. You said you have checked them. Has this ever been stored with water in it in a cold climate. If they freeze they split open pretty easy. There's no set life expectancy, depends on the area and the water. I live in New Mexico and the area I live in 5 - 6 yrs is about the norm, some more some less. The water is harsh. 3 yrs or less is a bit premature. Truly I hope I'm wrong. It's just the symptoms you've given and the troubleshooting you've done point to a leaking tank. Pull the tank and remove the styrofoam and see what you can find. Best of luck to ya!
Re: Leaking Atwood water heater	mark semeraro	6-30-08
If it was leaking since it was new you might get lucky and it might just be a fitting or the drain plug leaking. I assume you have been draining it in off use? If not take the drain plug out and coat the threads with teflon tape (available at any plumbers' supply, real cheap). Then see what happens. Maybe the drain is not tight and never has been. It could also be leaking at the pressure relief valve...or any connection. Please post what you find. Good luck!
Re: Leaking Atwood water heater	marie	7-12-08
Atwood Hot water heater. Gas Only Worked fine We had a storm after that it did not work.The lights come on for everything but the water heater. And it does not light.
Re: Leaking Atwood water heater	daryl	7-7-08
Mine was seeping too.Insulation was wet.Its 1980 suburban 6 gallon. Took it out, blew into openings found small pit holes all the way underneath.Ground off with angle grinder and plastered jb weld over the bottom about 6x12 inches. Maybe a good fix now but will probably replace Daryl
Re: Leaking Atwood water heater	Jo Bloedel	7-13-08
Wanted to post my findings. I finally bit the bullet and removed the tank for examination. It was leaking - a pin size hole on the side of the tank along the seam. It's odd, it looks at though the tank has previously been repaired, the seam had been marked with a blue line and there is evidence of being sanded and welded. I am assuming this took place at the factory, but now three years later, what's a girl to do? Anyway, I sanded and repaired with JB Weld for a temporary fix until I can get home and have the tank replaced. I appreciate the information everyone supplied, Thx so much.