Have Leaking Isotemp Water Heater

[dougshipl]

We have a 10yr old Isotherm/temp water heater (about 6 gallons) that just started leaking a week after we shock treated our freshwater system, so we assume we melted gaskets or something. Anyone take one of these a part to replace anything? All thoughts welcomed.. Please. Thanks.

[sailingdog]

I think it is far more likely that the sucker has just rusted out or has a broken seam. I'm actually surprised it has lasted 10 years.... which is a pretty long time for a water heater IMHO.

A new water heater is about $600...which breaks down to $5 a month... over its lifespan.

[dave6330]

I just installed an ISOTEMP after our original equipment volvo heater rusted out. It was going on 20 years old!

[poopdeckpappy]

Yeah, I would think it's shot, I know on mine I can replace the Heating element, but that's about it

BTW, I just replaced a 15 yo SuperStor WH with a new SuperStor WH, I think the key to long life is Flushing every couple months

[dougshipl]

Ok Thx guys

[HoffaLives]

it is possible the heater element gasket has gone.

[dougshipl]

I yanked it out (Isotherm Basic) and removed heating element and looked inside. It was mfg in 2002 but sure enough, bubble looking rust deposits formed around interior "intake from engine" line and spots along seems. No teling how long its been had pin leaks. Could my bleaching and flushing the system have done this ( 8oz bleach per 10 gall fresh H2o) ?

[Idiens]

I suppose the bleach may have loosened the rust and broke the seal it had formed.

I better look at my Isotherm, it must be running 30 years old now.

[sailingdog]

Depends on how long you left the bleach in the system for. If you were just shock-treating, then I doubt it, since the tank is stainless steel, and not as susceptible to attack from bleach as aluminum is.