Electric water heater problem?????

Jan 11, 2008 4 Replies

Thanks for all your responses. We went back over there yesterday and checked the water meter. The dial was spinning even after we made sure everything was shut off. Then we shut off the supply valve to the water heater and the water meter quit spinning. We left the valve off for a while and when we did turn it on there was hot water. This tells me there is an under slab leak in the hot water pipe.



We used an inferred thermometer to test the temperature of the floor near the kitchen sink and in the bath rooms while the water heater had pressure and when it did not have any pressure to see if there was any difference and found none. This was done over a few hours, but still no temperature difference in the floor.



Any hints on finding under slab leaks?



Thanks,



cm


Audio I think, stethoscope possibly. I believe there are fancier electronic units available, possibly for rent.

Additionally, if you have the time, leaving the WH / water off for a while and turning down the temp in the house to allow the floor and ground below to cool down should give you a more detectable temperature differential when you turn on the water / WH again.

Good idea. I'll try this weekend.

cm

Jackhammer comes to mind. Or, route the pipe some other path.

Most non contact thermometers are "infared" which is a type of light. You might know that already, but you inferred from your writing that you aren't aware of that spelling.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required