Is my plan for fixing my water heater leak bad?
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
Here is the situation (with pics):
See that pan on the bottom? The hole in it is covered by tape.
So here is what I was gonna do. Is this a good idea? First. I've gone out and purchased a new pan for the bottom. I also purchased a round piece of wood exactly the same size as the pan and 6 bricks and the hose you see connected to the drain.
My plan was to turn off the water and gas lines. Drain the thing using the hose. Then hopefully, If I loosen up the restraining straps I should be able to lift the whole contraption up about 4 inches. That will be just enough space to slide the bricks underneath and also the wood on top of the bricks and the new pan on that.
Doing this will raise the pan so that it is slightly higher than the hole in the wall where I plan to add a pipe connected to the pan for drainage.
Speaking of the hole in the wall... You see how there is currently a pipe in that hole? Someone went through the trouble of connecting all of that pipe to the pressure release valve. As far as I can tell those pipes are welded on so that's going to be a problem. My thought's there are that I will take a hacksaw and simply cut the pressure release valve pipe at the bottom right before it would have gone through the wall.
Is this a reasonable approach?
water-heater natural-gas
edited Mar 4 at 23:28
Reid
2453618
asked Mar 3 at 18:38
Dallas CaleyDallas Caley
16316
|
show 9 more comments
Here is the situation (with pics):
See that pan on the bottom? The hole in it is covered by tape.
So here is what I was gonna do. Is this a good idea? First. I've gone out and purchased a new pan for the bottom. I also purchased a round piece of wood exactly the same size as the pan and 6 bricks and the hose you see connected to the drain.
My plan was to turn off the water and gas lines. Drain the thing using the hose. Then hopefully, If I loosen up the restraining straps I should be able to lift the whole contraption up about 4 inches. That will be just enough space to slide the bricks underneath and also the wood on top of the bricks and the new pan on that.
Doing this will raise the pan so that it is slightly higher than the hole in the wall where I plan to add a pipe connected to the pan for drainage.
Speaking of the hole in the wall... You see how there is currently a pipe in that hole? Someone went through the trouble of connecting all of that pipe to the pressure release valve. As far as I can tell those pipes are welded on so that's going to be a problem. My thought's there are that I will take a hacksaw and simply cut the pressure release valve pipe at the bottom right before it would have gone through the wall.
Is this a reasonable approach?
water-heater natural-gas
edited Mar 4 at 23:28
Reid
2453618
asked Mar 3 at 18:38
Dallas CaleyDallas Caley
16316
5
1 - Not clear what the current actual problem is - title says "leak" but I didn't see description of a leak in the body of the posting; 2 - 4" is going to cause problems on everything at the top - flexible in/out water lines aren't always as flexible as you might think and the vent will be seriously affected too; 3 - even empty, a water heater is heavy so lifting it may not be as easy as you think; 4 - be extremely careful about the gas connections - yellow flex should be able to handle 4" of movement but any problem anywhere and you now have a gas leak.
– manassehkatz
Mar 3 at 18:50
10
OMG there is so much wrong with that photo. Is there even a code in the states?
– Joe Fala
Mar 3 at 19:41
11
"I'm pretty sure this was installed by a moron." Quite likely, but don't take the same approach to fixing the problem! This whole mess looks like it wants throwing away and replacing with a proper installation IMO.
– alephzero
Mar 3 at 23:37
7
If the water heater is broken, why are you wasting even five minutes of your time on hokey shims and quick fixes? You'll have to fix it properly quite soon.
– Harper
Mar 4 at 2:07
6
No one else mentioned it, but that looks like a laminate floor and it now has water under it. That should probably be addressed to when the water heater is taken out.
– JPhi1618
Mar 4 at 15:44
|
show 9 more comments
Here is the situation (with pics):
See that pan on the bottom? The hole in it is covered by tape.
So here is what I was gonna do. Is this a good idea? First. I've gone out and purchased a new pan for the bottom. I also purchased a round piece of wood exactly the same size as the pan and 6 bricks and the hose you see connected to the drain.
My plan was to turn off the water and gas lines. Drain the thing using the hose. Then hopefully, If I loosen up the restraining straps I should be able to lift the whole contraption up about 4 inches. That will be just enough space to slide the bricks underneath and also the wood on top of the bricks and the new pan on that.
Doing this will raise the pan so that it is slightly higher than the hole in the wall where I plan to add a pipe connected to the pan for drainage.
Speaking of the hole in the wall... You see how there is currently a pipe in that hole? Someone went through the trouble of connecting all of that pipe to the pressure release valve. As far as I can tell those pipes are welded on so that's going to be a problem. My thought's there are that I will take a hacksaw and simply cut the pressure release valve pipe at the bottom right before it would have gone through the wall.
Is this a reasonable approach?
water-heater natural-gas
edited Mar 4 at 23:28
Reid
2453618
asked Mar 3 at 18:38
Dallas CaleyDallas Caley
16316
Here is the situation (with pics):
See that pan on the bottom? The hole in it is covered by tape.
So here is what I was gonna do. Is this a good idea? First. I've gone out and purchased a new pan for the bottom. I also purchased a round piece of wood exactly the same size as the pan and 6 bricks and the hose you see connected to the drain.
My plan was to turn off the water and gas lines. Drain the thing using the hose. Then hopefully, If I loosen up the restraining straps I should be able to lift the whole contraption up about 4 inches. That will be just enough space to slide the bricks underneath and also the wood on top of the bricks and the new pan on that.
Doing this will raise the pan so that it is slightly higher than the hole in the wall where I plan to add a pipe connected to the pan for drainage.
Speaking of the hole in the wall... You see how there is currently a pipe in that hole? Someone went through the trouble of connecting all of that pipe to the pressure release valve. As far as I can tell those pipes are welded on so that's going to be a problem. My thought's there are that I will take a hacksaw and simply cut the pressure release valve pipe at the bottom right before it would have gone through the wall.
Is this a reasonable approach?
water-heater natural-gas
water-heater natural-gas
edited Mar 4 at 23:28
Reid
2453618
asked Mar 3 at 18:38
Dallas CaleyDallas Caley
16316
edited Mar 4 at 23:28
Reid
2453618
asked Mar 3 at 18:38
Dallas CaleyDallas Caley
16316
edited Mar 4 at 23:28
Reid
2453618
edited Mar 4 at 23:28
Reid
2453618
edited Mar 4 at 23:28
Reid
2453618
2453618
asked Mar 3 at 18:38
Dallas CaleyDallas Caley
16316
asked Mar 3 at 18:38
Dallas CaleyDallas Caley
16316
asked Mar 3 at 18:38
Dallas CaleyDallas Caley
16316
16316
5
1 - Not clear what the current actual problem is - title says "leak" but I didn't see description of a leak in the body of the posting; 2 - 4" is going to cause problems on everything at the top - flexible in/out water lines aren't always as flexible as you might think and the vent will be seriously affected too; 3 - even empty, a water heater is heavy so lifting it may not be as easy as you think; 4 - be extremely careful about the gas connections - yellow flex should be able to handle 4" of movement but any problem anywhere and you now have a gas leak.
– manassehkatz
Mar 3 at 18:50
10
OMG there is so much wrong with that photo. Is there even a code in the states?
– Joe Fala
Mar 3 at 19:41
11
"I'm pretty sure this was installed by a moron." Quite likely, but don't take the same approach to fixing the problem! This whole mess looks like it wants throwing away and replacing with a proper installation IMO.
– alephzero
Mar 3 at 23:37
7
If the water heater is broken, why are you wasting even five minutes of your time on hokey shims and quick fixes? You'll have to fix it properly quite soon.
– Harper
Mar 4 at 2:07
6
No one else mentioned it, but that looks like a laminate floor and it now has water under it. That should probably be addressed to when the water heater is taken out.
– JPhi1618
Mar 4 at 15:44
|
show 9 more comments
5
1 - Not clear what the current actual problem is - title says "leak" but I didn't see description of a leak in the body of the posting; 2 - 4" is going to cause problems on everything at the top - flexible in/out water lines aren't always as flexible as you might think and the vent will be seriously affected too; 3 - even empty, a water heater is heavy so lifting it may not be as easy as you think; 4 - be extremely careful about the gas connections - yellow flex should be able to handle 4" of movement but any problem anywhere and you now have a gas leak.
– manassehkatz
Mar 3 at 18:50
10
OMG there is so much wrong with that photo. Is there even a code in the states?
– Joe Fala
Mar 3 at 19:41
11
"I'm pretty sure this was installed by a moron." Quite likely, but don't take the same approach to fixing the problem! This whole mess looks like it wants throwing away and replacing with a proper installation IMO.
– alephzero
Mar 3 at 23:37
7
If the water heater is broken, why are you wasting even five minutes of your time on hokey shims and quick fixes? You'll have to fix it properly quite soon.
– Harper
Mar 4 at 2:07
6
No one else mentioned it, but that looks like a laminate floor and it now has water under it. That should probably be addressed to when the water heater is taken out.
– JPhi1618
Mar 4 at 15:44
5
5
1 - Not clear what the current actual problem is - title says "leak" but I didn't see description of a leak in the body of the posting; 2 - 4" is going to cause problems on everything at the top - flexible in/out water lines aren't always as flexible as you might think and the vent will be seriously affected too; 3 - even empty, a water heater is heavy so lifting it may not be as easy as you think; 4 - be extremely careful about the gas connections - yellow flex should be able to handle 4" of movement but any problem anywhere and you now have a gas leak.
– manassehkatz
Mar 3 at 18:50
1 - Not clear what the current actual problem is - title says "leak" but I didn't see description of a leak in the body of the posting; 2 - 4" is going to cause problems on everything at the top - flexible in/out water lines aren't always as flexible as you might think and the vent will be seriously affected too; 3 - even empty, a water heater is heavy so lifting it may not be as easy as you think; 4 - be extremely careful about the gas connections - yellow flex should be able to handle 4" of movement but any problem anywhere and you now have a gas leak.
– manassehkatz
Mar 3 at 18:50
10
10
OMG there is so much wrong with that photo. Is there even a code in the states?
– Joe Fala
Mar 3 at 19:41
OMG there is so much wrong with that photo. Is there even a code in the states?
– Joe Fala
Mar 3 at 19:41
11
11
"I'm pretty sure this was installed by a moron." Quite likely, but don't take the same approach to fixing the problem! This whole mess looks like it wants throwing away and replacing with a proper installation IMO.
– alephzero
Mar 3 at 23:37
"I'm pretty sure this was installed by a moron." Quite likely, but don't take the same approach to fixing the problem! This whole mess looks like it wants throwing away and replacing with a proper installation IMO.
– alephzero
Mar 3 at 23:37
7
7
If the water heater is broken, why are you wasting even five minutes of your time on hokey shims and quick fixes? You'll have to fix it properly quite soon.
– Harper
Mar 4 at 2:07
If the water heater is broken, why are you wasting even five minutes of your time on hokey shims and quick fixes? You'll have to fix it properly quite soon.
– Harper
Mar 4 at 2:07
6
6
No one else mentioned it, but that looks like a laminate floor and it now has water under it. That should probably be addressed to when the water heater is taken out.
– JPhi1618
Mar 4 at 15:44
No one else mentioned it, but that looks like a laminate floor and it now has water under it. That should probably be addressed to when the water heater is taken out.
– JPhi1618
Mar 4 at 15:44
|
show 9 more comments
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
If the water on the floor is from the water heater I would fix that problem before I do anything else. If it is coming from the tank then it probably needs replaced. You can raise the tank as high as you want but if you do I would also replace the copper flex water lines and the flexible gas line. Once those lines get older, the flex gets hard and rigid and may break when you re-bend them to the new height. A broken water line or gas leak could be a disaster. And, by the way, the piping off that T&P relief valve is soldered and is not welded indicating to me that you should seek help from someone more knowledgeable than yourself in what you want to accomplish.
answered Mar 3 at 19:01
d.georged.george
5,9602814
1
Thank's. I suspect you are right on all accounts.
– Dallas Caley
Mar 3 at 19:03
3
@DallasCaley, fyi, the difference between a weld and soldering is that a weld means that the original pieces have melted (a bit) and they are fused together, while soldering is more like hot glue, where the solder melts at a much lower temperature and is wicked up by the parts, providing a seal. You can undo soldering by heating the joint at the proper temperature, but welding requires mechanical destruction. Cutting, drilling, chiseling…
– sleblanc
Mar 4 at 16:20
1
The fact that the OP isn't familiar with soldering vs. welding doesn't mean he can't come here to learn how to properly deal with his situation. I agree with everything in your answer except for that comment. Its a water pipe, not a gas pipe, and he's already got a flood.
– DaveInCaz
Mar 5 at 13:08
add a comment |
No gas shut off for either line, flex is not suitable for a stationary appliance unless it's approved CSST, duct tape on the flue, draft hood is crooked, pressure relief should terminate in a conspicuous location, those flex lines, globe valve, saddle valve, crooked seismic strap, it's old, it's leaking, plus all the problems not visible from the picture. It's time for a change.
answered Mar 4 at 1:03
Joe FalaJoe Fala
4,845328
Ah-ha! Seismic strap! Thanks - never saw one of those before as I don't live in an area where they're needed. In Ohio our dirt doesn't go out dancing. :-)
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 5 at 12:38
@Bob Jarvis I'm in Toronto so no dancing here either. I'm not sure about the name, I just made it up but thought it was clear enough that I didn't have to google it.
– Joe Fala
Mar 5 at 13:44
Wow. The installation somehow made a shitty impression on me. Now I know why.
– Peter A. Schneider
Mar 5 at 14:48
@BobJarvis we're neighbors, I'm in Indiana. Does "New Madrid" mean anything to you? It's been a while, but your dirt may go dancing, too. (Of course, nobody 'round here worries about seismic straps, either...)
– FreeMan
Mar 5 at 16:06
Yeah, if/when the New Madrid fault cuts loose again it's gonna be a mess. But fortunately that won't matter, because it'll all be underwater due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Of course, that will cause massive devastating tsunamis, but that won't matter because the human race will have gone extinct from sheer embarrassment, if for no other reason.
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 6 at 13:04
add a comment |
There is a reason most countries regulate gas-related equipment strictly, because they don't want buildings to explode. If there is no electricity or gas involved, fix it! If it's under - let's say - 50 Volts, go on! If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay. If it can leak gas, and fill up the inside of a building, or kill everyone through CO poisoning, call someone who knows what to do! (and probably certified by either a gas company, a heater manufacturer, or by the government).
edited Mar 4 at 2:44
Daniel Griscom
4,89492238
answered Mar 4 at 2:00
NyosNyos
2192
3
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I removed your commentary; it would have made it more likely that your post be deleted. Without that, it's a reasonable answer: thanks.
– Daniel Griscom
Mar 4 at 2:45
1
I wrote it because an "ask a professional" answer in a DIY topic is frowned upon, even when it's the correct (and in many places, the legal) answer.
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 3:06
9
@Nyos that line of thinking doesn't apply to the stackexchange network, even the DIY corner. We are after objectively 'right' answers here. Sometimes the right answer is to consult a professional.
– James Trotter
Mar 4 at 9:23
3
"If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay." Voltages like that are potentially lethal. I know many of us have survived it often enough, but don't state "you'll be probably okay". That's not how it works.
– Mast
Mar 4 at 15:02
@Mast: That's true, it's why I added the "watch out" part. You need to be careful with those (more than low-voltage stuff). Also, some countries/companies have legal restriction there as well, but not as common/strict as with gas. Do you think I should edit my answer?
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 15:25
|
show 1 more comment
Being in the plumbing industry most of my adult life, if you are going to go to the trouble of raising the heater just a few
inches, you might want to look at relocating the heater entirely. I have never seen a "smitty pan" save a home from
a major water leak.
edited Mar 4 at 15:42
David Richerby
11115
answered Mar 4 at 14:20
Dan DawsonDan Dawson
611
add a comment |
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
If the water on the floor is from the water heater I would fix that problem before I do anything else. If it is coming from the tank then it probably needs replaced. You can raise the tank as high as you want but if you do I would also replace the copper flex water lines and the flexible gas line. Once those lines get older, the flex gets hard and rigid and may break when you re-bend them to the new height. A broken water line or gas leak could be a disaster. And, by the way, the piping off that T&P relief valve is soldered and is not welded indicating to me that you should seek help from someone more knowledgeable than yourself in what you want to accomplish.
answered Mar 3 at 19:01
d.georged.george
5,9602814
1
Thank's. I suspect you are right on all accounts.
– Dallas Caley
Mar 3 at 19:03
3
@DallasCaley, fyi, the difference between a weld and soldering is that a weld means that the original pieces have melted (a bit) and they are fused together, while soldering is more like hot glue, where the solder melts at a much lower temperature and is wicked up by the parts, providing a seal. You can undo soldering by heating the joint at the proper temperature, but welding requires mechanical destruction. Cutting, drilling, chiseling…
– sleblanc
Mar 4 at 16:20
1
The fact that the OP isn't familiar with soldering vs. welding doesn't mean he can't come here to learn how to properly deal with his situation. I agree with everything in your answer except for that comment. Its a water pipe, not a gas pipe, and he's already got a flood.
– DaveInCaz
Mar 5 at 13:08
add a comment |
If the water on the floor is from the water heater I would fix that problem before I do anything else. If it is coming from the tank then it probably needs replaced. You can raise the tank as high as you want but if you do I would also replace the copper flex water lines and the flexible gas line. Once those lines get older, the flex gets hard and rigid and may break when you re-bend them to the new height. A broken water line or gas leak could be a disaster. And, by the way, the piping off that T&P relief valve is soldered and is not welded indicating to me that you should seek help from someone more knowledgeable than yourself in what you want to accomplish.
answered Mar 3 at 19:01
d.georged.george
5,9602814
1
Thank's. I suspect you are right on all accounts.
– Dallas Caley
Mar 3 at 19:03
3
@DallasCaley, fyi, the difference between a weld and soldering is that a weld means that the original pieces have melted (a bit) and they are fused together, while soldering is more like hot glue, where the solder melts at a much lower temperature and is wicked up by the parts, providing a seal. You can undo soldering by heating the joint at the proper temperature, but welding requires mechanical destruction. Cutting, drilling, chiseling…
– sleblanc
Mar 4 at 16:20
1
The fact that the OP isn't familiar with soldering vs. welding doesn't mean he can't come here to learn how to properly deal with his situation. I agree with everything in your answer except for that comment. Its a water pipe, not a gas pipe, and he's already got a flood.
– DaveInCaz
Mar 5 at 13:08
add a comment |
If the water on the floor is from the water heater I would fix that problem before I do anything else. If it is coming from the tank then it probably needs replaced. You can raise the tank as high as you want but if you do I would also replace the copper flex water lines and the flexible gas line. Once those lines get older, the flex gets hard and rigid and may break when you re-bend them to the new height. A broken water line or gas leak could be a disaster. And, by the way, the piping off that T&P relief valve is soldered and is not welded indicating to me that you should seek help from someone more knowledgeable than yourself in what you want to accomplish.
answered Mar 3 at 19:01
d.georged.george
5,9602814
If the water on the floor is from the water heater I would fix that problem before I do anything else. If it is coming from the tank then it probably needs replaced. You can raise the tank as high as you want but if you do I would also replace the copper flex water lines and the flexible gas line. Once those lines get older, the flex gets hard and rigid and may break when you re-bend them to the new height. A broken water line or gas leak could be a disaster. And, by the way, the piping off that T&P relief valve is soldered and is not welded indicating to me that you should seek help from someone more knowledgeable than yourself in what you want to accomplish.
answered Mar 3 at 19:01
d.georged.george
5,9602814
answered Mar 3 at 19:01
d.georged.george
5,9602814
answered Mar 3 at 19:01
d.georged.george
5,9602814
answered Mar 3 at 19:01
d.georged.george
5,9602814
5,9602814
1
Thank's. I suspect you are right on all accounts.
– Dallas Caley
Mar 3 at 19:03
3
@DallasCaley, fyi, the difference between a weld and soldering is that a weld means that the original pieces have melted (a bit) and they are fused together, while soldering is more like hot glue, where the solder melts at a much lower temperature and is wicked up by the parts, providing a seal. You can undo soldering by heating the joint at the proper temperature, but welding requires mechanical destruction. Cutting, drilling, chiseling…
– sleblanc
Mar 4 at 16:20
1
The fact that the OP isn't familiar with soldering vs. welding doesn't mean he can't come here to learn how to properly deal with his situation. I agree with everything in your answer except for that comment. Its a water pipe, not a gas pipe, and he's already got a flood.
– DaveInCaz
Mar 5 at 13:08
add a comment |
1
Thank's. I suspect you are right on all accounts.
– Dallas Caley
Mar 3 at 19:03
3
@DallasCaley, fyi, the difference between a weld and soldering is that a weld means that the original pieces have melted (a bit) and they are fused together, while soldering is more like hot glue, where the solder melts at a much lower temperature and is wicked up by the parts, providing a seal. You can undo soldering by heating the joint at the proper temperature, but welding requires mechanical destruction. Cutting, drilling, chiseling…
– sleblanc
Mar 4 at 16:20
1
The fact that the OP isn't familiar with soldering vs. welding doesn't mean he can't come here to learn how to properly deal with his situation. I agree with everything in your answer except for that comment. Its a water pipe, not a gas pipe, and he's already got a flood.
– DaveInCaz
Mar 5 at 13:08
1
1
Thank's. I suspect you are right on all accounts.
– Dallas Caley
Mar 3 at 19:03
Thank's. I suspect you are right on all accounts.
– Dallas Caley
Mar 3 at 19:03
3
3
@DallasCaley, fyi, the difference between a weld and soldering is that a weld means that the original pieces have melted (a bit) and they are fused together, while soldering is more like hot glue, where the solder melts at a much lower temperature and is wicked up by the parts, providing a seal. You can undo soldering by heating the joint at the proper temperature, but welding requires mechanical destruction. Cutting, drilling, chiseling…
– sleblanc
Mar 4 at 16:20
@DallasCaley, fyi, the difference between a weld and soldering is that a weld means that the original pieces have melted (a bit) and they are fused together, while soldering is more like hot glue, where the solder melts at a much lower temperature and is wicked up by the parts, providing a seal. You can undo soldering by heating the joint at the proper temperature, but welding requires mechanical destruction. Cutting, drilling, chiseling…
– sleblanc
Mar 4 at 16:20
1
1
The fact that the OP isn't familiar with soldering vs. welding doesn't mean he can't come here to learn how to properly deal with his situation. I agree with everything in your answer except for that comment. Its a water pipe, not a gas pipe, and he's already got a flood.
– DaveInCaz
Mar 5 at 13:08
The fact that the OP isn't familiar with soldering vs. welding doesn't mean he can't come here to learn how to properly deal with his situation. I agree with everything in your answer except for that comment. Its a water pipe, not a gas pipe, and he's already got a flood.
– DaveInCaz
Mar 5 at 13:08
add a comment |
No gas shut off for either line, flex is not suitable for a stationary appliance unless it's approved CSST, duct tape on the flue, draft hood is crooked, pressure relief should terminate in a conspicuous location, those flex lines, globe valve, saddle valve, crooked seismic strap, it's old, it's leaking, plus all the problems not visible from the picture. It's time for a change.
answered Mar 4 at 1:03
Joe FalaJoe Fala
4,845328
Ah-ha! Seismic strap! Thanks - never saw one of those before as I don't live in an area where they're needed. In Ohio our dirt doesn't go out dancing. :-)
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 5 at 12:38
@Bob Jarvis I'm in Toronto so no dancing here either. I'm not sure about the name, I just made it up but thought it was clear enough that I didn't have to google it.
– Joe Fala
Mar 5 at 13:44
Wow. The installation somehow made a shitty impression on me. Now I know why.
– Peter A. Schneider
Mar 5 at 14:48
@BobJarvis we're neighbors, I'm in Indiana. Does "New Madrid" mean anything to you? It's been a while, but your dirt may go dancing, too. (Of course, nobody 'round here worries about seismic straps, either...)
– FreeMan
Mar 5 at 16:06
Yeah, if/when the New Madrid fault cuts loose again it's gonna be a mess. But fortunately that won't matter, because it'll all be underwater due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Of course, that will cause massive devastating tsunamis, but that won't matter because the human race will have gone extinct from sheer embarrassment, if for no other reason.
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 6 at 13:04
add a comment |
No gas shut off for either line, flex is not suitable for a stationary appliance unless it's approved CSST, duct tape on the flue, draft hood is crooked, pressure relief should terminate in a conspicuous location, those flex lines, globe valve, saddle valve, crooked seismic strap, it's old, it's leaking, plus all the problems not visible from the picture. It's time for a change.
answered Mar 4 at 1:03
Joe FalaJoe Fala
4,845328
Ah-ha! Seismic strap! Thanks - never saw one of those before as I don't live in an area where they're needed. In Ohio our dirt doesn't go out dancing. :-)
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 5 at 12:38
@Bob Jarvis I'm in Toronto so no dancing here either. I'm not sure about the name, I just made it up but thought it was clear enough that I didn't have to google it.
– Joe Fala
Mar 5 at 13:44
Wow. The installation somehow made a shitty impression on me. Now I know why.
– Peter A. Schneider
Mar 5 at 14:48
@BobJarvis we're neighbors, I'm in Indiana. Does "New Madrid" mean anything to you? It's been a while, but your dirt may go dancing, too. (Of course, nobody 'round here worries about seismic straps, either...)
– FreeMan
Mar 5 at 16:06
Yeah, if/when the New Madrid fault cuts loose again it's gonna be a mess. But fortunately that won't matter, because it'll all be underwater due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Of course, that will cause massive devastating tsunamis, but that won't matter because the human race will have gone extinct from sheer embarrassment, if for no other reason.
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 6 at 13:04
add a comment |
No gas shut off for either line, flex is not suitable for a stationary appliance unless it's approved CSST, duct tape on the flue, draft hood is crooked, pressure relief should terminate in a conspicuous location, those flex lines, globe valve, saddle valve, crooked seismic strap, it's old, it's leaking, plus all the problems not visible from the picture. It's time for a change.
answered Mar 4 at 1:03
Joe FalaJoe Fala
4,845328
No gas shut off for either line, flex is not suitable for a stationary appliance unless it's approved CSST, duct tape on the flue, draft hood is crooked, pressure relief should terminate in a conspicuous location, those flex lines, globe valve, saddle valve, crooked seismic strap, it's old, it's leaking, plus all the problems not visible from the picture. It's time for a change.
answered Mar 4 at 1:03
Joe FalaJoe Fala
4,845328
answered Mar 4 at 1:03
Joe FalaJoe Fala
4,845328
answered Mar 4 at 1:03
Joe FalaJoe Fala
4,845328
answered Mar 4 at 1:03
Joe FalaJoe Fala
4,845328
4,845328
Ah-ha! Seismic strap! Thanks - never saw one of those before as I don't live in an area where they're needed. In Ohio our dirt doesn't go out dancing. :-)
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 5 at 12:38
@Bob Jarvis I'm in Toronto so no dancing here either. I'm not sure about the name, I just made it up but thought it was clear enough that I didn't have to google it.
– Joe Fala
Mar 5 at 13:44
Wow. The installation somehow made a shitty impression on me. Now I know why.
– Peter A. Schneider
Mar 5 at 14:48
@BobJarvis we're neighbors, I'm in Indiana. Does "New Madrid" mean anything to you? It's been a while, but your dirt may go dancing, too. (Of course, nobody 'round here worries about seismic straps, either...)
– FreeMan
Mar 5 at 16:06
Yeah, if/when the New Madrid fault cuts loose again it's gonna be a mess. But fortunately that won't matter, because it'll all be underwater due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Of course, that will cause massive devastating tsunamis, but that won't matter because the human race will have gone extinct from sheer embarrassment, if for no other reason.
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 6 at 13:04
add a comment |
Ah-ha! Seismic strap! Thanks - never saw one of those before as I don't live in an area where they're needed. In Ohio our dirt doesn't go out dancing. :-)
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 5 at 12:38
@Bob Jarvis I'm in Toronto so no dancing here either. I'm not sure about the name, I just made it up but thought it was clear enough that I didn't have to google it.
– Joe Fala
Mar 5 at 13:44
Wow. The installation somehow made a shitty impression on me. Now I know why.
– Peter A. Schneider
Mar 5 at 14:48
@BobJarvis we're neighbors, I'm in Indiana. Does "New Madrid" mean anything to you? It's been a while, but your dirt may go dancing, too. (Of course, nobody 'round here worries about seismic straps, either...)
– FreeMan
Mar 5 at 16:06
Yeah, if/when the New Madrid fault cuts loose again it's gonna be a mess. But fortunately that won't matter, because it'll all be underwater due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Of course, that will cause massive devastating tsunamis, but that won't matter because the human race will have gone extinct from sheer embarrassment, if for no other reason.
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 6 at 13:04
Ah-ha! Seismic strap! Thanks - never saw one of those before as I don't live in an area where they're needed. In Ohio our dirt doesn't go out dancing. :-)
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 5 at 12:38
Ah-ha! Seismic strap! Thanks - never saw one of those before as I don't live in an area where they're needed. In Ohio our dirt doesn't go out dancing. :-)
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 5 at 12:38
@Bob Jarvis I'm in Toronto so no dancing here either. I'm not sure about the name, I just made it up but thought it was clear enough that I didn't have to google it.
– Joe Fala
Mar 5 at 13:44
@Bob Jarvis I'm in Toronto so no dancing here either. I'm not sure about the name, I just made it up but thought it was clear enough that I didn't have to google it.
– Joe Fala
Mar 5 at 13:44
Wow. The installation somehow made a shitty impression on me. Now I know why.
– Peter A. Schneider
Mar 5 at 14:48
Wow. The installation somehow made a shitty impression on me. Now I know why.
– Peter A. Schneider
Mar 5 at 14:48
@BobJarvis we're neighbors, I'm in Indiana. Does "New Madrid" mean anything to you? It's been a while, but your dirt may go dancing, too. (Of course, nobody 'round here worries about seismic straps, either...)
– FreeMan
Mar 5 at 16:06
@BobJarvis we're neighbors, I'm in Indiana. Does "New Madrid" mean anything to you? It's been a while, but your dirt may go dancing, too. (Of course, nobody 'round here worries about seismic straps, either...)
– FreeMan
Mar 5 at 16:06
Yeah, if/when the New Madrid fault cuts loose again it's gonna be a mess. But fortunately that won't matter, because it'll all be underwater due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Of course, that will cause massive devastating tsunamis, but that won't matter because the human race will have gone extinct from sheer embarrassment, if for no other reason.
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 6 at 13:04
Yeah, if/when the New Madrid fault cuts loose again it's gonna be a mess. But fortunately that won't matter, because it'll all be underwater due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Of course, that will cause massive devastating tsunamis, but that won't matter because the human race will have gone extinct from sheer embarrassment, if for no other reason.
– Bob Jarvis
Mar 6 at 13:04
add a comment |
There is a reason most countries regulate gas-related equipment strictly, because they don't want buildings to explode. If there is no electricity or gas involved, fix it! If it's under - let's say - 50 Volts, go on! If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay. If it can leak gas, and fill up the inside of a building, or kill everyone through CO poisoning, call someone who knows what to do! (and probably certified by either a gas company, a heater manufacturer, or by the government).
edited Mar 4 at 2:44
Daniel Griscom
4,89492238
answered Mar 4 at 2:00
NyosNyos
2192
3
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I removed your commentary; it would have made it more likely that your post be deleted. Without that, it's a reasonable answer: thanks.
– Daniel Griscom
Mar 4 at 2:45
1
I wrote it because an "ask a professional" answer in a DIY topic is frowned upon, even when it's the correct (and in many places, the legal) answer.
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 3:06
9
@Nyos that line of thinking doesn't apply to the stackexchange network, even the DIY corner. We are after objectively 'right' answers here. Sometimes the right answer is to consult a professional.
– James Trotter
Mar 4 at 9:23
3
"If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay." Voltages like that are potentially lethal. I know many of us have survived it often enough, but don't state "you'll be probably okay". That's not how it works.
– Mast
Mar 4 at 15:02
@Mast: That's true, it's why I added the "watch out" part. You need to be careful with those (more than low-voltage stuff). Also, some countries/companies have legal restriction there as well, but not as common/strict as with gas. Do you think I should edit my answer?
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 15:25
|
show 1 more comment
There is a reason most countries regulate gas-related equipment strictly, because they don't want buildings to explode. If there is no electricity or gas involved, fix it! If it's under - let's say - 50 Volts, go on! If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay. If it can leak gas, and fill up the inside of a building, or kill everyone through CO poisoning, call someone who knows what to do! (and probably certified by either a gas company, a heater manufacturer, or by the government).
edited Mar 4 at 2:44
Daniel Griscom
4,89492238
answered Mar 4 at 2:00
NyosNyos
2192
3
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I removed your commentary; it would have made it more likely that your post be deleted. Without that, it's a reasonable answer: thanks.
– Daniel Griscom
Mar 4 at 2:45
1
I wrote it because an "ask a professional" answer in a DIY topic is frowned upon, even when it's the correct (and in many places, the legal) answer.
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 3:06
9
@Nyos that line of thinking doesn't apply to the stackexchange network, even the DIY corner. We are after objectively 'right' answers here. Sometimes the right answer is to consult a professional.
– James Trotter
Mar 4 at 9:23
3
"If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay." Voltages like that are potentially lethal. I know many of us have survived it often enough, but don't state "you'll be probably okay". That's not how it works.
– Mast
Mar 4 at 15:02
@Mast: That's true, it's why I added the "watch out" part. You need to be careful with those (more than low-voltage stuff). Also, some countries/companies have legal restriction there as well, but not as common/strict as with gas. Do you think I should edit my answer?
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 15:25
|
show 1 more comment
There is a reason most countries regulate gas-related equipment strictly, because they don't want buildings to explode. If there is no electricity or gas involved, fix it! If it's under - let's say - 50 Volts, go on! If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay. If it can leak gas, and fill up the inside of a building, or kill everyone through CO poisoning, call someone who knows what to do! (and probably certified by either a gas company, a heater manufacturer, or by the government).
edited Mar 4 at 2:44
Daniel Griscom
4,89492238
answered Mar 4 at 2:00
NyosNyos
2192
There is a reason most countries regulate gas-related equipment strictly, because they don't want buildings to explode. If there is no electricity or gas involved, fix it! If it's under - let's say - 50 Volts, go on! If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay. If it can leak gas, and fill up the inside of a building, or kill everyone through CO poisoning, call someone who knows what to do! (and probably certified by either a gas company, a heater manufacturer, or by the government).
edited Mar 4 at 2:44
Daniel Griscom
4,89492238
answered Mar 4 at 2:00
NyosNyos
2192
edited Mar 4 at 2:44
Daniel Griscom
4,89492238
edited Mar 4 at 2:44
Daniel Griscom
4,89492238
edited Mar 4 at 2:44
Daniel Griscom
4,89492238
4,89492238
answered Mar 4 at 2:00
NyosNyos
2192
answered Mar 4 at 2:00
NyosNyos
2192
answered Mar 4 at 2:00
NyosNyos
2192
2192
3
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I removed your commentary; it would have made it more likely that your post be deleted. Without that, it's a reasonable answer: thanks.
– Daniel Griscom
Mar 4 at 2:45
1
I wrote it because an "ask a professional" answer in a DIY topic is frowned upon, even when it's the correct (and in many places, the legal) answer.
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 3:06
9
@Nyos that line of thinking doesn't apply to the stackexchange network, even the DIY corner. We are after objectively 'right' answers here. Sometimes the right answer is to consult a professional.
– James Trotter
Mar 4 at 9:23
3
"If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay." Voltages like that are potentially lethal. I know many of us have survived it often enough, but don't state "you'll be probably okay". That's not how it works.
– Mast
Mar 4 at 15:02
@Mast: That's true, it's why I added the "watch out" part. You need to be careful with those (more than low-voltage stuff). Also, some countries/companies have legal restriction there as well, but not as common/strict as with gas. Do you think I should edit my answer?
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 15:25
|
show 1 more comment
3
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I removed your commentary; it would have made it more likely that your post be deleted. Without that, it's a reasonable answer: thanks.
– Daniel Griscom
Mar 4 at 2:45
1
I wrote it because an "ask a professional" answer in a DIY topic is frowned upon, even when it's the correct (and in many places, the legal) answer.
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 3:06
9
@Nyos that line of thinking doesn't apply to the stackexchange network, even the DIY corner. We are after objectively 'right' answers here. Sometimes the right answer is to consult a professional.
– James Trotter
Mar 4 at 9:23
3
"If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay." Voltages like that are potentially lethal. I know many of us have survived it often enough, but don't state "you'll be probably okay". That's not how it works.
– Mast
Mar 4 at 15:02
@Mast: That's true, it's why I added the "watch out" part. You need to be careful with those (more than low-voltage stuff). Also, some countries/companies have legal restriction there as well, but not as common/strict as with gas. Do you think I should edit my answer?
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 15:25
3
3
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I removed your commentary; it would have made it more likely that your post be deleted. Without that, it's a reasonable answer: thanks.
– Daniel Griscom
Mar 4 at 2:45
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I removed your commentary; it would have made it more likely that your post be deleted. Without that, it's a reasonable answer: thanks.
– Daniel Griscom
Mar 4 at 2:45
1
1
I wrote it because an "ask a professional" answer in a DIY topic is frowned upon, even when it's the correct (and in many places, the legal) answer.
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 3:06
I wrote it because an "ask a professional" answer in a DIY topic is frowned upon, even when it's the correct (and in many places, the legal) answer.
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 3:06
9
9
@Nyos that line of thinking doesn't apply to the stackexchange network, even the DIY corner. We are after objectively 'right' answers here. Sometimes the right answer is to consult a professional.
– James Trotter
Mar 4 at 9:23
@Nyos that line of thinking doesn't apply to the stackexchange network, even the DIY corner. We are after objectively 'right' answers here. Sometimes the right answer is to consult a professional.
– James Trotter
Mar 4 at 9:23
3
3
"If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay." Voltages like that are potentially lethal. I know many of us have survived it often enough, but don't state "you'll be probably okay". That's not how it works.
– Mast
Mar 4 at 15:02
"If it's 110-230 V, watch out, but you'll be probably okay." Voltages like that are potentially lethal. I know many of us have survived it often enough, but don't state "you'll be probably okay". That's not how it works.
– Mast
Mar 4 at 15:02
@Mast: That's true, it's why I added the "watch out" part. You need to be careful with those (more than low-voltage stuff). Also, some countries/companies have legal restriction there as well, but not as common/strict as with gas. Do you think I should edit my answer?
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 15:25
@Mast: That's true, it's why I added the "watch out" part. You need to be careful with those (more than low-voltage stuff). Also, some countries/companies have legal restriction there as well, but not as common/strict as with gas. Do you think I should edit my answer?
– Nyos
Mar 4 at 15:25
|
show 1 more comment
Being in the plumbing industry most of my adult life, if you are going to go to the trouble of raising the heater just a few
inches, you might want to look at relocating the heater entirely. I have never seen a "smitty pan" save a home from
a major water leak.
edited Mar 4 at 15:42
David Richerby
11115
answered Mar 4 at 14:20
Dan DawsonDan Dawson
611
add a comment |
Being in the plumbing industry most of my adult life, if you are going to go to the trouble of raising the heater just a few
inches, you might want to look at relocating the heater entirely. I have never seen a "smitty pan" save a home from
a major water leak.
edited Mar 4 at 15:42
David Richerby
11115
answered Mar 4 at 14:20
Dan DawsonDan Dawson
611
add a comment |
Being in the plumbing industry most of my adult life, if you are going to go to the trouble of raising the heater just a few
inches, you might want to look at relocating the heater entirely. I have never seen a "smitty pan" save a home from
a major water leak.
edited Mar 4 at 15:42
David Richerby
11115
answered Mar 4 at 14:20
Dan DawsonDan Dawson
611
Being in the plumbing industry most of my adult life, if you are going to go to the trouble of raising the heater just a few
inches, you might want to look at relocating the heater entirely. I have never seen a "smitty pan" save a home from
a major water leak.
edited Mar 4 at 15:42
David Richerby
11115
answered Mar 4 at 14:20
Dan DawsonDan Dawson
611
edited Mar 4 at 15:42
David Richerby
11115
edited Mar 4 at 15:42
David Richerby
11115
edited Mar 4 at 15:42
David Richerby
11115
11115
answered Mar 4 at 14:20
Dan DawsonDan Dawson
611
answered Mar 4 at 14:20
Dan DawsonDan Dawson
611
answered Mar 4 at 14:20
Dan DawsonDan Dawson
611
611
add a comment |
add a comment |
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5
1 - Not clear what the current actual problem is - title says "leak" but I didn't see description of a leak in the body of the posting; 2 - 4" is going to cause problems on everything at the top - flexible in/out water lines aren't always as flexible as you might think and the vent will be seriously affected too; 3 - even empty, a water heater is heavy so lifting it may not be as easy as you think; 4 - be extremely careful about the gas connections - yellow flex should be able to handle 4" of movement but any problem anywhere and you now have a gas leak.
– manassehkatz
Mar 3 at 18:50
10
OMG there is so much wrong with that photo. Is there even a code in the states?
– Joe Fala
Mar 3 at 19:41
11
"I'm pretty sure this was installed by a moron." Quite likely, but don't take the same approach to fixing the problem! This whole mess looks like it wants throwing away and replacing with a proper installation IMO.
– alephzero
Mar 3 at 23:37
7
If the water heater is broken, why are you wasting even five minutes of your time on hokey shims and quick fixes? You'll have to fix it properly quite soon.
– Harper
Mar 4 at 2:07
6
No one else mentioned it, but that looks like a laminate floor and it now has water under it. That should probably be addressed to when the water heater is taken out.
– JPhi1618
Mar 4 at 15:44