Water Heater By-Pass?

[TroutStream]

I fired up the water heater and was happy to have hot water ...But then I noticed water leaking out of the bottom of the trailer I realized that the heater was leaking but thought oh what the hell, so I'm leaking a little out the bottom. But then after 2 days I noticed a pool of water in my rear bath

I have since shut the heater down assuming that the leaks are worse under the pressure of the heat?? My questions are...

1. As I can find no other source of leaks I am assuming that the heater is leaking not just through the bottom and out the pan. Has anyone had this experience?

and

2. As a new heater may have to wait till the end of summer has anyone run a simple heater bypass? The water heater fills first (ergo leaks first) even when the heater is not lit.

Thanks,

Ken.

[nickcrowhurst]

Ken, this is the classic symptom of the tank rusting out, necessitating a new heater, or a recent one from a wrecker's yard. It's just what happened to mine. Water heater by-pass kits are standard in RV catalogues or stores. You can also buy the parts separately, but the kits are much cheaper. The kit includes a pair of 2 way unions and a length of pipe for about $15. Nick.

[mandolindave]

Bypassing the water heater is very normal. My trailer and my son's, both
came that way. People bypass the water heater when winterizing to save
themselves from using to much antifreeze. I had valves put in to bypass it.
My son's was bypassed because of a leaking water heater.

[dogwood]

Has anyone considered mini tank electric water heaters?

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by dogwood

Has anyone considered mini tank electric water heaters?

Yes, but an electric WH would only work with hook-ups or a generator. A propane WH can be used while boondocking.

Shari