[Greenjade]

I recently noticed the paint on my garage wall near my water heater was looking a little off color. When I scraped the peeling paint I found the drywall was wet underneath.

Has anyone else had the same issue?

My house is a 2007 designer cypress The tank is on a wooden box at the back of the garage in plain sight.

State Select gas water heater with a expansion tank on the top

Possibly leak from a rusting tray?

Any advise about repairing this?

Approach the gas utility?

[villagetinker]

IMHO, you probably have a leak, check the expansion tank as these typically fail after 5 to 7 years. If this has failed, the potential overpressure during the heating cycle can force water out the thermal over pressure valve. I also suspect the tray at the bottom has rusted or otherwise developed holes over the years.
You will probably need to have the hot water heater drained and removed, and the entire wooden structure inspected to see if or how much damage there is and what needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Do not skimp on this a this is supporting the water heater. Once all of the repairs are made, I am guessing you may need a new water heater also, some drywall, and a water sensor in the new tray.

[retiredguy123]

I would suggest placing a plastic cup under the PVC pipe inside the overflow tray to see if the T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve is tripping. The relief valve is designed to trip when the water temperature exceeds 210 degrees, or the pressure exceeds 150 psi. When it trips, it may only discharge a small amount of water, which you will see in the cup. If it is tripping, you probably need a new water heater and/or an expansion tank, or a new T&P valve. I would also fill the overflow tray with water to see if it has a leak.

[Mrprez]

I’d check that drain for the pan as well. Could be clogged.

[Topspinmo]

IMO should be no water leaking, use paper towel to check for leaks. ( Look at top see if you see signs of joint leakage?) How old water heater are you talking about? If original the tank probably has tiny leak. Surprising there no water in drain pan? Even if pan has tiny rust leak still should be signs of water?

Another thing, you said drywall was wet? How far up the drywall? Does the water heater pipes go into that wall beside water heater at top?

[Greenjade]

I ran the hot water and put a cup under the pvc pipe that runs from the pressure release valve and after a while it had about an ounce or two of water in it. I have now put a small bucket there to catch the water. You can see from the photos that the water supply is on the back wall of the garage near the top of the WH but the water damage is on the adjacent wall near the wooden box that has the metal drain pan on it.

The WH is original as far as I know and the house was built in 2007

Could I just need a new drain pan and some repair to the water damage or it it best to replace the WH at the same time.

Does the pressure release always release a bit of water or is it kaput

[rjm1cc]

I would do a little research and see how long your brand of heater lasts. My guess is you should replace it and not try and fix it.

[Mrprez]

Have you ever drained your WH? You’d be surprised at what comes out of there.

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, you need a new water heater, expansion tank, and overflow drain pan. If the relief valve is tripping because of excessive pressure, that is a dangerous situation. The valve should never trip. The contractor should also verify the integrity of the wood platform before installing the new heater. If necessary, they could remove the platform and replace it with a prefabricated metal platform.

[tsmall22204]

My advice would be to pay closer attention to your home and call a plumber.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

In my opinion, you need a new water heater, expansion tank, and overflow drain pan. If the relief valve is tripping because of excessive pressure, that is a dangerous situation. The valve should never trip. The contractor should also verify the integrity of the wood platform before installing the new heater. If necessary, they could remove the platform and replace it with a prefabricated metal platform.

Listen to 123 he speaks the truth. Until you get a plumber there turn that setting down a little (you have it set on a tick below nuclear)

[Craig Vernon]

Originally Posted by Greenjade

I ran the hot water and put a cup under the pvc pipe that runs from the pressure release valve and after a while it had about an ounce or two of water in it. I have now put a small bucket there to catch the water. You can see from the photos that the water supply is on the back wall of the garage near the top of the WH but the water damage is on the adjacent wall near the wooden box that has the metal drain pan on it.

The WH is original as far as I know and the house was built in 2007

Could I just need a new drain pan and some repair to the water damage or it it best to replace the WH at the same time.

Does the pressure release always release a bit of water or is it kaput

First of all, let's begin by saying water heaters only require replacement if there is water leaking from the tank itself. The Pressure temperature valve is leaking and in a 2007 tank this part did pretty well. The part can be replaced personally for about twenty dollars, half drain the tank, use a pipe wrench to remove old replace with new from Home Depot, refill. Professional replacement locally here in Ohio 140$. Replacement of tank around 800-1000$. Good Luck.

[mabreyjk]

I had a similar problem with water on my lanai. The installing plumber said it was not a leak and must be ground water. A significant amount of money later and two holes in my walls, the issue was a poor PVC joint, water was barely seeping.

Originally Posted by Greenjade

I recently noticed the paint on my garage wall near my water heater was looking a little off color. When I scraped the peeling paint I found the drywall was wet underneath.

Has anyone else had the same issue?

My house is a 2007 designer cypress The tank is on a wooden box at the back of the garage in plain sight.

State Select gas water heater with a expansion tank on the top

Possibly leak from a rusting tray?

Any advise about repairing this?

Approach the gas utility?

[mamamia54]

Our water heater does not have an expansion tank. What does an expansion do and are they really necessary?

[Goinghiway]

....six months I tried to locate the source of this leak, which was in the exact spot as yours.....long store short, after having the plumber out twice, Munn's A/C, service...I found the source.....my neighbor had a broken irrigation head next to my garage!!!!!

Good Luck