Damp Water Heater Flooring

SteveB

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Jan 22, 2008
80
Hunter 34 Venice, FL
Pulled the water heater. While flooring was slightly damp near flanges, evidence of water leaks (see pics). Enough to cause corrosion through 1/8 inch aluminum screw flange. Don't know if from hose connections, but will pressure test the tank before reinstalling.
 

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Nov 6, 2006
10,117
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Good to pressure test, but a leaking fitting might be the culprit.. The hot/cold, pressure/no pressure loosens the fittings..
Mine drooled a little from the PT valve every time it was heated. It always sealed after the initial expansion leak .. I put a piece of hose on it to direct that drooling to the bilge so it doesn't finish ruining the floor.
 

SteveB

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Jan 22, 2008
80
Hunter 34 Venice, FL
Thanks, Kloudie. Suspect mine's doing the same. I'll copy your fix. BTW reading about the Seaward wear heaters. While the tank is aluminum, the external box, including the screw down flange is galvanized steel. That explains the corrosion.
 
Oct 7, 2012
15
Hunter 28.5 and 40 windsor Ontario
My water heater leaks also just when it heats up from cold or when we run one of the showers. It must have a small leak because once it's hot it does not leak at all. After we launch our boat again in the spring and get it back to our dock I am going to remove the water heater to see where the leak could be coming from. Also it will be a good time to replace the heat exchanger coolant lines as well. 7 more weeks till launch and I have to reinstall the rudder and VC paint the bottom. I will post my findings when I have my tank out.