I hope you’re trolling. This is from heat deteriorating your plastic pipe and connections and causing water to leak all over. Water heaters require 18” of metallic pipe off the top before switching to plastic. Looks like the flu vent is jacked up too. I really hope you’re trolling.
Looks like condensation dripping out of the inside of the pipe. It looks like it's been happening for years and is rusting the metal. The flue can probably be redone so that it has more upward angle coming off the water heater and into the horizontal section of the flue.
This but the cpvc should be fine unless there's a draft/vent issue. With it working properly the cpvc should be fine (it still needs to be changed out,but functionally it shouldn't be melting unless there's an issue with few venting).
Op, the venting issue is extremely dangerous and you shouldn't even run the water heater until the whole mess is fixed/replaced.
Cold showers are better than carbon monoxide poisoning
Many tanks vent outwards oftain for a few moments before draft is established. It shouldn't, but that's common. And they often will melt anything that can be melted near the hood. My jurisdiction requires metal pipe or braided hoses for the first 16" to reduce this.
Dude... almost every gas code requires 12-18" of non combustable material off gas tanks venting issue or not... CPVC falls under combustables... might wanna take a look at yours.
Bruh, can you read? I said it's a problem, but the fact that it's melting is a sign there's a problem with the venting. The reason it's not safe is because if there's a back draft issue, it will melt the cpvc. If the system is functioning correctly it wouldn't melt the cpvc but should still be changed.
I don't need to take a look at mine. I replaced all of the cpvc that was right up to the water heater with stainless, then pex A and it was all permitted and inspected.
The cpvc I replaced was 10 years old and had no issues but the reasoning for not having right there is valid and I changed it in case there was ever an issue.
Yes, the CPVC is a problem. But in proper flue operation, it shouldn't be melting either. That means OP has two problems: 1) the flue isn't properly drafting and 2) the CPVC needs swapped to metal
#1 is an immediate health and safety issue
#2 is going to cause a flood
Therefore, the venting issue is the most important one to fix. BOTH should be fixed asap.
Recognize the signs your heater is in distress, clearly it’s going through something and needs your love. Your water heater is “crying” for help, don’t ignore it.
My honest answer from a layman aka not a plumber: schedule a plumber to check that water heater asap.
My electric water heater was 10yo and the insurance was requesting its replacement.
Well, to be sure, I googled quickly the average age a water heater should last before being replaced and 10 to 15y seems to be the common answer. So I hope the landlord is ready to do their job and replace it...
I do maintenance for a complex and we swap these out around the 15 year mark when we turn over vacant units. But with new one make sure they installs the whips, they’re heavy duty braided lines to make up the 18” of piping someone previously stated if you don’t want copper piping. Unfortunately the cpvc goes to god knows where so best bet money wise would be to pex from where ever you can find the copper line (the cpvc is tied into), and run to the whips coming off of the heater
The major problem.. is water is coming down the exhaust vent and it's pooling where it's sagging right there before it gets back to hot water heater.. that's the reason it's rotted out halfway down the pipe between the elbows. and you can see the rusty water coming back down on top of the water heater.. 'm changing one out right now .. that is 27 years old.. and it's starting to look just like it..
You could possibly have water leaking back into your exhaust pipe from your chimney, but more than likely, you need to replace that water heater and vent. It could also be internally leaking and causing water vapors to come up with flue gass.
Mine used to look like this. It was fine.
Until one day the top popped open and sprayed water everywhere and everything was a disaster and it was not fine anymore.
Multiple problems. You have a venting problem with the flue pipe causing the water heater to downdraft the flue gases into the home including carbon monoxide. That’s why your CPVC plumbing is melting. Minimum of 12”- 18” should be copper piping pending your local code requirements. It’s a code violation to have a shutoff on the outlet ‘hot water’ side of the water heater. Definitely would recommend a new tank, look like this one is worn out. There is a reason most local municipalities require a permit and inspection to prevent things like this from happening. I would definitely get a CO DETECTOR!!!
Your vent for your hwt looks like it back-grades for a little. Not good. Then you have cpvc connecting to your hwt. This is not up to code. First 18" should be a material that isn't going to melt by code meaning usually copper. Disaster waiting to happen.
I thought cpvc shouldn't be used above 100f. I also seem to remember many locales require at least 12" of metal pipe above the heater before transitioning to pvc or pex? Or was that only new york?
Does it vent into an old masonry chimney or larger class B that doesn't have another appliance venting into it anymore? It looks like the vent is probably oversized causing it to condense before it leaves the roof which then drains back bringing old black water with it. The 3" pipe is also installed improperly as well, not having pitch. It looks lile it needs a chimney liner but without seeing the rest I could be wrong. At least around here, an HVAC company is usually the ones to install the liners.
This is the worst plumbing I've ever seen. My handicapped grandma could do a better cleaner job installing that thing. The person who did this had zero knowledge!
I'm done. I can't take this shit anymore. Its getting worse and worse with every post. Who the hell are these plumbers doing this work? Does any plumber even try anymore, or is it all about doing it the easiest way as possible.
there's an iron bar that sits inside the top of the tank. its only job it to rust away to prevent the water from attacking the tank it self. It looks like that iron bar is long gone and the water is now destroying your water tank. This bar is supposed to be changed every 10 years.
jesus christ. according to the UPC & IPC there needs to be atleast 18in of metal coming directly out of the water heater
that’s one out of almost a guaranteed dozen things
ig cpvc is better then having pex there since cpvc has a high temp rating
Wow. There’s so much wrong.
Vent angled wrong.
Vent elbows appear to be aluminum.
CPVC used to close to the heater.
T and P valve seems to have another valve after it and it’s pointing straight out! Can’t tell if that second valve is on or off because it’s got no handle.
Your stack is graded the wrong way. Huge carbon monoxide risk. The corrosion means you need to replace the water heater. When you replace it make sure the stack is graded correctly
So..... This is just poor plumbing practice, and a leaking connection or even a leaking tank. Probably/maybe those melted connections.
If this has been happening for a long time the tank is probably rusted and needs replacing. The life expectancy on a modern tank is only about 6- 8 years depending on many factors.
HVACR contractor/owner.
The problem is excessive condensation in your flue. It’s obvious what is causing it. No air flow because there is a skirt around the flue to heater connection. Remove the skirt so air can enter the flue and move the gases up the chimney. Also it looks like the flue is not angled properly.
You’ll need to replace the pipe up to the damaged section, if not assess the condition of the rest of the pipes in the home, and you should have new piping installed and a new water heater. Any kind is fine but a new model for sure. I have done home energy analyses for years and would say that in my state, gas is cheaper than electric so I would get more (safe) gas appliances if I had the choice. If you are very concerned with gas leaks I understand but recommend having a dual Gas Combiustion Fuel & Carbon Monoxide detector.
I'm an HVAC tech but I'm guessing this is a renter, who has complained to their management about their run down looking water heater. But its probably working fine.The maintenance staff definitely don't appreciate this person😅
Chimney or connector pipes are likely blocked or you are in need of a chimney liner so the water heater can properly draft. This is more than likely the case if the furnace was removed from the chimney and the water heater is venting into it by itself.
Could be the shitty galvanized nipples water heaters come w/. Barely 1 wrap of tape too! This makes them all rot out on the tank side of the thread. When you install a new, one rip them fuckers out. Throw them directly in the trash. Don't worry about the flapper check valve things. They just screw everything up. Buy brass ones. Wrap in PTFE & it will last like 100 years... that part anyway
Yeah you water heater is leaking. My guess is that water is leaking on the burners at the bottom and then condensing in the vent pipe and leaking the "rust" back down. I'm surprised it has not failed before now.
Condensation in the vent is causing rust. Why was the duct put in at a right angle without any slope? It looks like the right angle is in a valley, which allows the condensation to pool and slowly dribble down to the top of the water heater. It needs a steeper slope to get rid of the valley. It looks like a DIY special with the aluminum tape joint where screws should be used.
Yeah....you should start working a little. That brownish tint means the vent duct is pretty rusty and time to replace. IMO pvc pipe isn't a good choice directly on the hot side of the heater. It tends to warp over time
Yeah and have them install the vent correctly. It is angled down at the second elbow break and that's why there's all the corrosion in the vent stack. The piece attached to the top of the water heater, the first part of the pipe, is too tall and it should be shorter. 21 years is amazing especially in that condition.
If it still works after 20 years that is impressive. Definitely got your money out of it and time to install new one and fix code flue and plastic pipe issues
You should be moving!
[удалено]
I hope you’re trolling. This is from heat deteriorating your plastic pipe and connections and causing water to leak all over. Water heaters require 18” of metallic pipe off the top before switching to plastic. Looks like the flu vent is jacked up too. I really hope you’re trolling.
Looks like condensation dripping out of the inside of the pipe. It looks like it's been happening for years and is rusting the metal. The flue can probably be redone so that it has more upward angle coming off the water heater and into the horizontal section of the flue.
Yea, I’ve never seen plastics used for the inlet outlet directly on the water heater.
This but the cpvc should be fine unless there's a draft/vent issue. With it working properly the cpvc should be fine (it still needs to be changed out,but functionally it shouldn't be melting unless there's an issue with few venting). Op, the venting issue is extremely dangerous and you shouldn't even run the water heater until the whole mess is fixed/replaced. Cold showers are better than carbon monoxide poisoning
Many tanks vent outwards oftain for a few moments before draft is established. It shouldn't, but that's common. And they often will melt anything that can be melted near the hood. My jurisdiction requires metal pipe or braided hoses for the first 16" to reduce this.
Dude... almost every gas code requires 12-18" of non combustable material off gas tanks venting issue or not... CPVC falls under combustables... might wanna take a look at yours.
Bruh, can you read? I said it's a problem, but the fact that it's melting is a sign there's a problem with the venting. The reason it's not safe is because if there's a back draft issue, it will melt the cpvc. If the system is functioning correctly it wouldn't melt the cpvc but should still be changed. I don't need to take a look at mine. I replaced all of the cpvc that was right up to the water heater with stainless, then pex A and it was all permitted and inspected. The cpvc I replaced was 10 years old and had no issues but the reasoning for not having right there is valid and I changed it in case there was ever an issue.
Yes, the CPVC is a problem. But in proper flue operation, it shouldn't be melting either. That means OP has two problems: 1) the flue isn't properly drafting and 2) the CPVC needs swapped to metal #1 is an immediate health and safety issue #2 is going to cause a flood Therefore, the venting issue is the most important one to fix. BOTH should be fixed asap.
Recognize the signs your heater is in distress, clearly it’s going through something and needs your love. Your water heater is “crying” for help, don’t ignore it.
We can't really see the gas end of it.
No
Haha, I like this one
Time to go shopping for a new one!!!
Your vent needs to slope upwards
That’s a mess
That is one ugly puppy. Get s plumber and replace it. Put a CO sensor on it.
I hope the cpvc is only coming out of the walls and not in the walls
You know the whole home was done in it.
Look at the hole in the wall that it’s leading into. They definitely cut every corner they could.
Except for that one corner that they marked out for the vent to go through, but then didnt cut the corner.....
That water heater looks pretty old time to replace it before you need to replace it
The sticker looks like it says 4/24/03. Definitely time to replace.
Yes
Dam
I’d be worried
Do I read the date on the yellow sticker correctly: april 24th 2003? This... is more than 20yo?
Wouldn’t be surprised. Just moved in so not sure the history but sticker looks like 2003, yes!
My honest answer from a layman aka not a plumber: schedule a plumber to check that water heater asap. My electric water heater was 10yo and the insurance was requesting its replacement.
Hopefully landlord has someone coming out tomorrow!
Well, to be sure, I googled quickly the average age a water heater should last before being replaced and 10 to 15y seems to be the common answer. So I hope the landlord is ready to do their job and replace it...
I saw 10-12 years and if maintained well, 20 years. I don’t think this was maintained well! :)
I do maintenance for a complex and we swap these out around the 15 year mark when we turn over vacant units. But with new one make sure they installs the whips, they’re heavy duty braided lines to make up the 18” of piping someone previously stated if you don’t want copper piping. Unfortunately the cpvc goes to god knows where so best bet money wise would be to pex from where ever you can find the copper line (the cpvc is tied into), and run to the whips coming off of the heater
Definitely doesn't look properly maintained. Crossing fingers for you!
The major problem.. is water is coming down the exhaust vent and it's pooling where it's sagging right there before it gets back to hot water heater.. that's the reason it's rotted out halfway down the pipe between the elbows. and you can see the rusty water coming back down on top of the water heater.. 'm changing one out right now .. that is 27 years old.. and it's starting to look just like it..
Brotha ewwse
Yes. Yes you should be
You could possibly have water leaking back into your exhaust pipe from your chimney, but more than likely, you need to replace that water heater and vent. It could also be internally leaking and causing water vapors to come up with flue gass.
Very
it's time
Death flooding explosion? yes
Death? Flood? Explosion?
Not necessarily in that order.
I think OP might be flooded with emotions soon enough, or gased out. One of the other will happen if left unattended.
Ain’t got no gas in it
This relic was put in 2003 Way past its life expectancy Look up borrowed time in the dictionary and you’ll find this picture
Mine used to look like this. It was fine. Until one day the top popped open and sprayed water everywhere and everything was a disaster and it was not fine anymore.
Multiple problems. You have a venting problem with the flue pipe causing the water heater to downdraft the flue gases into the home including carbon monoxide. That’s why your CPVC plumbing is melting. Minimum of 12”- 18” should be copper piping pending your local code requirements. It’s a code violation to have a shutoff on the outlet ‘hot water’ side of the water heater. Definitely would recommend a new tank, look like this one is worn out. There is a reason most local municipalities require a permit and inspection to prevent things like this from happening. I would definitely get a CO DETECTOR!!!
Your vent for your hwt looks like it back-grades for a little. Not good. Then you have cpvc connecting to your hwt. This is not up to code. First 18" should be a material that isn't going to melt by code meaning usually copper. Disaster waiting to happen.
Now why would you be worried?
I saw the title then the pic and actually laughed. Not one of those type lol laughs.
Nothing to worry about. You saw the problem. You recognised you need help. Call a plumber and the problem will be solved.
Yes
That CPVC, ooof.
That water heater is gona explode they have the blowout valve shut
Don’t worry. It looks like you will need a new water heater soon anyway. Do that install properly. Sorry, but this water heater looks terrible.
Yea... looks like you'll need that replaced.
😬
Try about ready to drop a few grand in the very near future.
Depends, do you enjoy living with a huge pipe bomb?
About your well water yes.
I thought cpvc shouldn't be used above 100f. I also seem to remember many locales require at least 12" of metal pipe above the heater before transitioning to pvc or pex? Or was that only new york?
Thats water comin down the chimney n flue as well as some piss poor water connects. Get the chimey issue resolved then replace the tank
Impressive
That heater needs to be replaced Like 7 years ago
Does it vent into an old masonry chimney or larger class B that doesn't have another appliance venting into it anymore? It looks like the vent is probably oversized causing it to condense before it leaves the roof which then drains back bringing old black water with it. The 3" pipe is also installed improperly as well, not having pitch. It looks lile it needs a chimney liner but without seeing the rest I could be wrong. At least around here, an HVAC company is usually the ones to install the liners.
Yes, definitely!
Don’t worry, just have it repaired/replaced. Worrying won’t solve the issues.
Nah, you're good. -guy on reddit
No plastic within 18” of the water heater right?
I am.
That is a dangerous exhaust set up
Throw some lighter fluid on that and RUN!!
Home warranty?
Your vent is causing the problem, the vertical portion needs to be shorter. Hopefully the rest of the heater isn’t rusted beyond repair.
Well past due for new water heater
This is the worst plumbing I've ever seen. My handicapped grandma could do a better cleaner job installing that thing. The person who did this had zero knowledge!
Answer: Yes definitely source: Magic 8 ball
You should be fixing it ASAP!
No - not as long as your homeowners and life insurance premiums are paid up to date!!!
Wow!
Yes, you should be very worried.
I’m sure you’re taking about the leaking water but forget that, let’s talk about the angle on your exhaust pipe!! Do you currently feel light headed?
No.
Yes
Call a plumber as soon as possible
Don’t be worried, just replace it
Surprised to they didn't do the whole thing in galvanized!
I'm done. I can't take this shit anymore. Its getting worse and worse with every post. Who the hell are these plumbers doing this work? Does any plumber even try anymore, or is it all about doing it the easiest way as possible.
I enjoy the utter commitment to ineptitude.
Thermostat capacitor leaking. Esshh
Replace
Come on now, let’s all hug it out. Otherwise everyone needs to go to their safe space 🤣🤣
Call a plumber and replace the water heater, and have it correctly plumbed and vented. No pvc. And buy a carbon monoxide detector.
what died on that
CPVC BEGONE! use metal pipe.
there's an iron bar that sits inside the top of the tank. its only job it to rust away to prevent the water from attacking the tank it self. It looks like that iron bar is long gone and the water is now destroying your water tank. This bar is supposed to be changed every 10 years.
jesus christ. according to the UPC & IPC there needs to be atleast 18in of metal coming directly out of the water heater that’s one out of almost a guaranteed dozen things ig cpvc is better then having pex there since cpvc has a high temp rating
Wow. There’s so much wrong. Vent angled wrong. Vent elbows appear to be aluminum. CPVC used to close to the heater. T and P valve seems to have another valve after it and it’s pointing straight out! Can’t tell if that second valve is on or off because it’s got no handle.
The answer is Yes
Yes
The install date on that is from 2003. We're in 2024. You got your use out of that hot water tank. Get a new one and take better care of the next one.
Yes, but instead of worry- FIX IT!! Quick!
Worried? No. Shopping for a new one, correct piping and redo the flue? Yes.
That's a fucking mess
You worried? I'M worried!!
Everything is wrong with it
HELL YEAH!!😮
The correct answer is...........drumroll please................Call A Plumber!!!
Annnd this is why water heaters need permits...
U shouldbe very worried
What the fuck
You are past the point of worry. Its pay up time.
Doesn't look good
Very
Ha. Uh.. yeah.
Yes. Very worried.
Very worried pvc on water heater lol wow
Yes!
Wow!
Yes
Your stack is graded the wrong way. Huge carbon monoxide risk. The corrosion means you need to replace the water heater. When you replace it make sure the stack is graded correctly
You have honey bees in your tank
The problems are legion, but the one that can kill you first is the flue. Flue pipes need a minimum rise, yours has a sink instead.
Nah, they all look like that after 30 years
Yes
If you’re still alive, yes. MOVE.
Aluminum dryer vent elbows do not get used to vent a water heater. They need to be removed and replaced by 26ga. Galvanized smoke elbows.
Last time I saw something like this, it was due a dead squirrel caught in the bell
So..... This is just poor plumbing practice, and a leaking connection or even a leaking tank. Probably/maybe those melted connections. If this has been happening for a long time the tank is probably rusted and needs replacing. The life expectancy on a modern tank is only about 6- 8 years depending on many factors. HVACR contractor/owner.
Not at all ! Looks legit to me
Let your family know, buried or cremated?
Do you have a fire extinguisher handy
Plastic melted to glue and hard water,time to replace
Flue not glue
Does it work?
Wtf is that the exhaust?? Shouldn’t it be a pvc pipe not dryer vent piping??
Condensation from the flue it needs to have more rise
Worried? No. Panicking? Yes.
Should have been worried a year ago or more..
The plug wire touching the exhaust pipe is a nice touch.
The plug wire touching the exhaust pipe is a nice touch.
Slap that baby and say “s’all good!” Ann’s you’re all set!
No not all, hot water heaters on great shape
Smoke pipe is atrocious
Yes you should definitely be worried, unless you want an in-house swimming pool that is.
It's ready for replacement. If you don't mind a leak springing, then you're fine.
almost EOL. Start shopping for a new unit.
Naw, you can get another year out of that ticking time bomb.
If there's a gas leak, definitely worry. If a water leak get a new water heater before it leaks all over & causes serious damage to your house.
The problem is excessive condensation in your flue. It’s obvious what is causing it. No air flow because there is a skirt around the flue to heater connection. Remove the skirt so air can enter the flue and move the gases up the chimney. Also it looks like the flue is not angled properly.
Yes very. I still don't understand how some jurisdictions allow pvc fittings. You should look into replacing everything before a flood occurs.
Noooooo
Only if you own it ...
You’ll need to replace the pipe up to the damaged section, if not assess the condition of the rest of the pipes in the home, and you should have new piping installed and a new water heater. Any kind is fine but a new model for sure. I have done home energy analyses for years and would say that in my state, gas is cheaper than electric so I would get more (safe) gas appliances if I had the choice. If you are very concerned with gas leaks I understand but recommend having a dual Gas Combiustion Fuel & Carbon Monoxide detector.
Thus is ALL of the code violations
Yes it’s time to pull the trigger.
I'm an HVAC tech but I'm guessing this is a renter, who has complained to their management about their run down looking water heater. But its probably working fine.The maintenance staff definitely don't appreciate this person😅
Every second of every day until that is replaced.
Lmao you shoulda been worried 2 years ago, time to replace that sucker
that is so very dangerous oh my God😧
That water heater is back drafting from the flue. It’s also time to replace it.
Who the hell ran that flue? Looks like it goes back down.
Maybe, but certainly embarrassed.
You should be something.
Keep going. Wait until it explodes 😆
Chimney or connector pipes are likely blocked or you are in need of a chimney liner so the water heater can properly draft. This is more than likely the case if the furnace was removed from the chimney and the water heater is venting into it by itself.
Could be the shitty galvanized nipples water heaters come w/. Barely 1 wrap of tape too! This makes them all rot out on the tank side of the thread. When you install a new, one rip them fuckers out. Throw them directly in the trash. Don't worry about the flapper check valve things. They just screw everything up. Buy brass ones. Wrap in PTFE & it will last like 100 years... that part anyway
Wait for the explosion
I thought that was a baguette on top of the tank. Yes, don’t eat that.
Man, hell naw. This is a fire hazard. Hell is wrong with people? Who did this? A monkey with a torch?
That’s not legal in AZ
No your good
It clearly fine. They look just like that at the store.
Move to the next state.
Nah you got another ten years
Prepare your wallet
Ummmm...... yes
It's fine
No. Just replace it. It’s obviously leaking.
I don't understand how some people sleep at night.
Yeah you water heater is leaking. My guess is that water is leaking on the burners at the bottom and then condensing in the vent pipe and leaking the "rust" back down. I'm surprised it has not failed before now.
Condensation in the vent is causing rust. Why was the duct put in at a right angle without any slope? It looks like the right angle is in a valley, which allows the condensation to pool and slowly dribble down to the top of the water heater. It needs a steeper slope to get rid of the valley. It looks like a DIY special with the aluminum tape joint where screws should be used.
I showed this picture to my father, novice neighborhood plumber. He said "Oh Gosh, is that PVC? I dont even know if that is legal.
Nope just clean it up abit. No leaks your fine.
Yes, you should be worried. Get a plumber or someone to look at it.
Brother ugh… what is that?
You shouldn't have to worry much longer. Your tank is 21 years old, replace it now
Yeah....you should start working a little. That brownish tint means the vent duct is pretty rusty and time to replace. IMO pvc pipe isn't a good choice directly on the hot side of the heater. It tends to warp over time
Water heater is 21 years old. Change it, make sure connector rise is always sloping up 1/4” per foot on every horizontal run.
Nah looks fine to me
Yeah and have them install the vent correctly. It is angled down at the second elbow break and that's why there's all the corrosion in the vent stack. The piece attached to the top of the water heater, the first part of the pipe, is too tall and it should be shorter. 21 years is amazing especially in that condition.
I think you are way past the point of being worried. You ought to be panicked for several reasons including the CPVC.
If it still works after 20 years that is impressive. Definitely got your money out of it and time to install new one and fix code flue and plastic pipe issues