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Water Heater Leak

Yahoo Message Number: 88621
We have a 2002 Intrigue 36-foot. Water is very slowly dripping from the floor level frames inside the passenger side rear wheel well and from the frame at the top of the compartment door under the water heater. The only reasonable source for such a leak would be the nearby water heater. Opening the exterior water heater access door it was all dry. Next I removed the wood access panel inside a hallway cabinet that exposed the water heater. All four fittings were dry - specifically the cold water in and hot water out pipes and the two engine coolant water hoses that heat the jacket around the water heater. BUT the wood flooring under the water heater was pretty wet ... so this is obviously the source of the water making its way to the floor level frames on the outside.
That's as far as I've gotten so far but the conclusion would be that the water heater is the source of the leak. The water heater is all wrapped in Styrofoam insulation so the point of leakage is not evident. The water heater is an Atwood 10-gallon GCH-10. What are thoughts as to what would be the failure mode? Can the tan rust through? What are my recourses? Repair? Replace? By who in the Junction City area?

Thanks, Steve B

2002 Intrigue #11382

Re: Water Heater Leak

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88622
Steve

I had the same problem a few years ago. Except that I did not have the the engine coolant heat transfer feature. If this is the original unit, it sounds like it has developed a rust pin hole. If that is the case the tank is not repairable. There are several competent sources in Junction City for repair. I am headed over that way to get some engine work done next week. Calcium deposits collect in the bottom of these tanks. If this calcium it is not removed every six months or so it eats at the tank lining and eventually will penetrate through.
Your water heater is an expensive unit. But you can reduce the cost if you are willing to sacrifice the engine coolant heat transfer feature.
Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226

Re: Water Heater Leak

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88631
You cannot repair a leaking Atwood tank effectively. Replace. I got mine from PPL. You will need to run an additional wire.

Rich 2002 Magna