Our hot water tank is leaking. Help?

Question

Two part question:

- Our hot water tank is leaking from the top. Water is pouring out. Obviously we'll have to get it fixed or buy a new one. Anyone had experience with this? Do you think it's fixable? If I were to guess it sounds like it's leaking from some type of pressure valve.

- If it's not fixable can someone give me a bit of an idea how much it would cost to purchase a 175 litre tank? What about installation? I recognize the cost would be different in different parts of the country (I live in Canada) but just a general idea would be good. (We have electric heat.)

Answer 1

there is a pressure valve on top the water heater. if the water heater builds up to much pressure the pressure valve will leak so the tank dosen't explode. You could have a bad thermasstat causing it to get too hot.

Answer 2

It is not fixable,don't know the cost but would get it fixed right away.If it is gas you the pilot light might go out from the water and your house can explode or if it is electric you could start a fire from a short circuit

Answer 3

Make sure it is the tank leaking before you condemn it.  More commonly the spring or seat in the pressure relief valve will go bad and it is inexpensive and easy to replace it.  If you replace the entire unit plan on spending around four hundred U.S. plus installation.  I don't have an idea what a plumber will cost you if you are unable to do it yourself.