http://yedda.com/questions/Baffled_bewildered_boil_diy_1494144116397/?src=rss:qb:qbsBaffled and bewildered and about to boil over !!!!!en-ushttp://static1.yeddacdn.com/images/Logo132X46_rmt9c1d22d.jpghttp://yedda.com/questions/Baffled_bewildered_boil_diy_1494144116397/?src=rss:qb:qbsBaffled and bewildered and about to boil over !!!!!http://yedda.com/questions/Baffled_bewildered_boil_diy_1494144116397/?src=rss:qb:qbi<p>My water heater leaks sometimes and not others. I replaced the drain valve thinking it may be that. It stopped leaking for about a week, thought I had it beat then I noticed the leak again. The water collects in the bottom of the water heater pan below the burner and then slowly drips out the orifce where the water heater foot come out of the skin. I can actully see steam come out of the water heater by the piolet door. I checked the pressure valve and dose not appear to be leaking, dose this sound think condensation or do I have bigger problems and if so should I repalce the tank or just try and put a catch pan under water heater w/ a hose to the floor drain like you would on a air conditioner. Thanx, Brady</p>WelderWelder42questionThu, 04 Sep 2008 22:02:24 GMThttp://yedda.com/questions/Baffled_bewildered_boil_diy_1494144116397/?src=rss:qb:qbihttp://yedda.com/questions/Baffled_bewildered_boil_diy_1494144116397/condensation_occur_fire_water_504128763569924?src=rss:qb:qbi<p>Normally, condensation will occur when you first fire up a water heater.  You probably have a small leak in the water heater tank.  To confirm, vacuum all water from pan, set water temperture to normal, don't use any hot water and see if water appears. </p>Malenke Water ServicesMalenke Water Servicesmale63answer3.0Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:03:58 GMThttp://yedda.com/questions/Baffled_bewildered_boil_diy_1494144116397/condensation_occur_fire_water_504128763569924?src=rss:qb:qbihttp://yedda.com/questions/Baffled_bewildered_boil_diy_1494144116397/water_heater_6-7_years_old_probably_495461036411167?src=rss:qb:qbi<p>If the water heater is more than 6-7 years old it is probably a leak which is not going to get any better.  You need to check the relief valve by raising it for a couple of seconds to see if it operates and is not stuck. </p> <p>Since steam is occasionally coming out the bottom of the water heater, you probably have a drip onto the burner or  near to it.  You will see steam only occassionally because if the burner is off it's not hot enough to make steam from the drip.</p> <p>Sounds like you may be in the market for a new water heater.</p>JohnJohnmale69answer3.0Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:23:55 GMThttp://yedda.com/questions/Baffled_bewildered_boil_diy_1494144116397/water_heater_6-7_years_old_probably_495461036411167?src=rss:qb:qbi