Nov 08
Can a natural gas water heater crack, rust, or be damaged by wrapping insulation around it?
Maintenance Repairs Add commentsDottie asked:
I was told by someone that the insulation around the water heater caused it to sweat and rust at the bottom. This is the reason why the water heater is leaking.
Any information would be very grateful. I am having an arguement with the company who came and insulated my home. This company wrapped the water heater saying it would help. The water heater is about 13 years old and still looks brand new except for the rusting that is now on the bottom which wasn’t there before the insulation.
Thanks for any help!!
The insulation has been on the water heater about 2 or 3 years.
Who should I vote for? Everyone gave about the same answer that it needs to be replaced.
So, I don’t have an option to choose everyone as best answer. Good luck all in the voting!!!
I was told by someone that the insulation around the water heater caused it to sweat and rust at the bottom. This is the reason why the water heater is leaking.
Any information would be very grateful. I am having an arguement with the company who came and insulated my home. This company wrapped the water heater saying it would help. The water heater is about 13 years old and still looks brand new except for the rusting that is now on the bottom which wasn’t there before the insulation.
Thanks for any help!!
The insulation has been on the water heater about 2 or 3 years.
Who should I vote for? Everyone gave about the same answer that it needs to be replaced.
So, I don’t have an option to choose everyone as best answer. Good luck all in the voting!!!
6 Responses to “Can a natural gas water heater crack, rust, or be damaged by wrapping insulation around it?”
November 11th, 2007 at 12:30 am
No.Water heaters rust out in a dozen years on average,and always on the bottom.
November 13th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
ive never heard of a hot water heater sweating. they do however always rust, there is water in them constantly. yours is pretty old, just replace it or have someone try to weld it or caulk it so it will last a couple more years. goodluck.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
No, it just holds the heat energy in place and keeps it from dissipating as fast. The thermostat will keep it from over-heating, though you may notice it comes on much less!
You just have an old water heater. Look at your car. If it stayed that close to water and heat for 13 years solid, it would be rusty too!
November 16th, 2007 at 1:55 am
No, it won’t hurt it. Most water heaters are insulated from the factory…. so a little extra won’t hurt….it would probably save you a little money on your gas bill. Your unit is fairly old and is probably at the end of it’s service life… just replace it!!
November 18th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Insulation on a water heater will not make a water heater rust, the 13 years you used it was the reason it rusted ,they usually last 12 to 20 depending on different situations, if they are inside or outside in utility room ,they won’t last as long.. But being wrapped with insulation had nothing to do with it rusting, because wear it rusts is underneath where the water is held and heated not around the outside of tank…….sorry its time for a new hot water tank……Buy the new style,never have to worry about this again…..no tanks ,on demand hot water heaters, water is heated instantly from a small box….check it out, not that much more than a regular hot water tank ,and more efficient, woth the expense!
November 20th, 2007 at 3:41 am
This seems to be normal. They all will all rust out over time.