Leaking Hot Water Heater

[Dennis]

All-
I have a 2001 SR with 3126 Cats. I know I have a fresh water leak that I believe is originating at the hot water tank. Next trip down my plan is to bypass the hot water tank and determine if leak goes away. If this confirms the hotwater tank as the problem does anyone know if leaks in general can be fixed or is purchasing a new hot water tank the only option? Any ballparks on costs would also be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dennis

 

[Daniel P Thomas]

Dennis

If it is a fitting on the Hot Water heater then probably yes. If the heater is leaking itself, more than likely no.

I replace mine this spring after a leak developed at the end of the season last year.

I had a 6 gallon Atwood Heater, most pricing I found on line was around $300.

I stumbled on a Craigs List ad and found an 11 gallon model, brand new for $100.

If you have the gray plastic piping and beige fittings the fittings are Genova out of MI.

These are similar to the fittings on RV's and are called 'component compression' fittings.

PM me if you need more info.

Dan

 

[JC3]

Dennis, You have the right game plan. By pass and see what happens. I used seatech quick connect fittings and it worked great. Water heater was raining. Bought a Sears 10gal painted it with Rust primmer and put it in a corner for right now. THIS IS TEMP because i just didnt have time to remove old water heater. Going back down in a couple of weeks and will redo. Good luck, JC

 

[Aerobaticflyer]

How come you guys heat your hot water? Sorry, I couldn't resist. :grin:

 

[fwebster]

JC,

You can remove the exhaust system, from the 90 bend to stbd in front of the engine, all the way back to the muffler, lay it aside, then take all the external fittings off the water heater and ease it off the deck it sits on and then forward and out in front of the stbd engine. I'd replace it with the same model in stainless.

This is one of those jobs that you worry about for a week, but when you get into it, it takes longer to get ready/remove stuff in the way, etc. than to do the actual repair.

 

[JC3]

Thanks Frank, I will do exactly what you state. Used a temp fix because of time. Still i dont look forward to it! Frank, I want to thank you for your kindness. It is very comforting to have you watch over us. By the way, the boat was running great when we left. Frank, Again, my family really appreciates your kindness. Wish me good luck with the HW job. JC