Forum Discussion

campingwiththor's avatar
campingwiththor
Explorer
Dec 01, 2015

Water heater leaking. Now what? (Atwood gc6aa-10e)

My water heater is leaking at the cold water inlet connector point. It's a pretty constant drip drip... Currently dripping into a bowl...

I would like to know if there is a fix wherein I could place some putty type material around the connector? Or do I need to unscrew the connector and reseal? If I need to unscrew it... What do I use to reseal? i.e. Standard plumbers tape?

Thank you for you help.
Cwt
  • wrgrs50s's avatar
    wrgrs50s
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2015
    It might be a plastic checkvalve that is screwed into the cold water inlet, they are bad about cracking and leaking. It's recommended to replace with a brass checkvalve.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Dec 01, 2015
    gbopp wrote:
    Do it once and do it right.
    Take the time to disassemble it and make the necessary repairs.
    You'll thank yourself for doing it the right way. :)

    YOU STOLE MY LINE! Only, I reverse it. I say "Do it right, do it once."
  • mgirardo's avatar
    mgirardo
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2015
    We've had the plastic fitting on the cold water inlet back off several times while traveling. The last time it happened, I removed the fitting, cleaned the fitting and pipe threads. Then put some pipe tape on it and cranked it down tightly. Hasn't been a problem since.

    -Michael
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Dec 01, 2015
    Over the years both hot and cold water junctions in back of the WH leaked. Both times it was while camping in extremely cold weather in the teens overnight. I re tightened by hand and all was well again. Have you tried to re tighten the fitting?
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Dec 01, 2015
    no patch job, just when you want everything going good, the patch will let go, called carma,you should do it right the first time.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2015
    Do it once and do it right.
    Take the time to disassemble it and make the necessary repairs.
    You'll thank yourself for doing it the right way. :)
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2015
    Use sealer or tape on tapered pipe threads only.
    Any other fitting does not use a sealer.
    It may be a rubber seal that has deteriated.
    Take it apart to see what you are up against, but do it when you have access to a hardware store,
    In the meantime shut off the water to the heater, or turn off the pump.

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