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ksbowman's avatar
ksbowman
Explorer II
May 23, 2014

Atwood dual 6 gal heater

While in Texas last winter our Atwood 6 gal water heater was seeping while hooked up to city water with the electric element turned on. It was a very slow drip and rather than pull it out while there I turned it on for a hour before showers then turned it off at the bypass the rest of the time to wait til I was at home to fix it. Now at home (3 months later) I filled the fresh water tank and turned the pump and heater on and no leak. I have two thoughts one that the leak was so minor that calcium or minerals filled the void or the city water had more pressure than the pump has. Has anyone else had a similar problem?
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 23, 2014
    Where was it leaking from?

    Drain plug
    Hot fitting on backside
    Cold fitting on backside
    Element gasket
    Pressure Relief Valve
    Tank

    Different causes/fixing for different leaks


    Pressure Relief Valve leaking is typically due to loss of 'air pocket'.
    Air pocket allows for expansion of water as it heats without a significant increase in pressure.
    Without the air pocket pressure will increase when water is heated causing PRV to weep
    Also could be because of hard water scaling causing PRV to weep....Open via lever and let it snap closed a couple of times to clear valve seat.
    But probably air pocket

    Fittings....check for tightness....replace washer

    Drain plug......remove, chase threads to clean them up install new nylon plug. They come 2 to a pak

    Electric element gasket..check tightness....replace gasket

    Tank.....ID leak and have it repaired (aluminum welded)

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