I have a bradford *********** vent water heater that is 4 years old. A while ago i noticed some rust on top of it. At the time I notified the plumber that installed it. They came looked at it and said they have never seen it before. Since then it has gotten worse. The rust is under some sort of "hood" or opening. Any thoughts on what is happening here? Thanks in advance
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Why is my water heater rusting on top????
- Thread starter mc1984ss
- Start date
lakeroadster
Well-known member
Condensation from the hood drips onto the water heater... and it rusts the water heater.
Nicks garage
Well-known member
Condensation from the hood drips onto the water heater... and it rusts the water heater.
This, it’s condensation
alcorelli
Well-known member
Yes. Condensation.
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CombatNinja
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2013
- Messages
- 1,456
You think that's bad? If you haven't flushed the tank or serviced the anode rod in 4 years, you should see the inside.
finn
Well-known member
Do you have a high efficiency furnace with a plastic vent? As I understand it, the old style non power vented water heaters relied on high temperature airflow from the furnace exhaust to keep condensation down in the stack.
Newer, high efficiency furnaces use their own plastic vents, and the airflow from a non power vent water heater alone allows condensation to accumulate in the stack, causing the rust issues you are encountering.
Solution is a new high efficiency power vent heater.
Newer, high efficiency furnaces use their own plastic vents, and the airflow from a non power vent water heater alone allows condensation to accumulate in the stack, causing the rust issues you are encountering.
Solution is a new high efficiency power vent heater.
I'm going to go out on a different limb here. It looks to me like there is water stains on the plastic shroud, are we sure there isn't a leak in the plumbing lines dripping on to the heater?
Chuckster in NJ
Well-known member
LOOK UP ^ above the heater........ Water leak from a valve or the cold water line (above the water heater) condensation when the humidity is high.
Yes it is a high efficiency furnace with pvc intake and exhaust going outside. I did notice what appears to be water stains. I have looked many times for a leak, drip, anything and have never found anything. I constantly check the too of the water heater and have never felt it wet. I have wondered if it only happens under perfect conditions, temp dew point etc
Prospecter
Well-known member
Even traditional water heaters will condense humidity on the cold water intake. I call BS on the plumber who, "Never saw this before."
Seeing this on the top of the water heater is one thing, but it is likely also on the body of the tank. The pH on combustion gas condensate is typically in the 3.2 range. Check the manuf specs against the actually vent lay-out. Also, see if there is an adjustable post purge timer on the venter. You will loose so efficiency by blowing warmer air up the stack, but that may reduce or eliminate the condition.