Raritan Water Heater Leak

[russmorgan]

I kept getting water in the bilge and it seemed to come from the base of the water heater. It wasn't green and when I tasted it (yuck!), it seemed to be fresh as opposed to salt. Because the w/h was inop electrically (popping the breaker) as well, I decided to have it replaced.  After the installation, I emptied the bilge (again)and toweled it dry. An hour later, much to my dismay, there was about an inch of clear water in the bilge.  And again, the only source seemed to be the base of the water heater.  The fittings are dry.  
Anybody have a clue?

[russmorgan]

Did I mention it was a Raritan?

[Ted Pounds]

Russ,

Check the stuff on the stbd side of the heater - the water pump, tank valves, strainer, etc.  I had a similar problem that turned ou to be the o-ring missing from the strainer cup (I didn't notice it fell out when I winterized).  As I recall when I bought the boat one of the tank select valves leaked and I had to replace an o-ring in it.  Any leak in that area will drip down to the hull and then reappear from under the water heater.  Just a a couple of ideas...  :)

Ted

[Tom Glennon]

Russ,

I replaced my Raritan water heater this winter.  Before bringing to the boat, I screwed on the pressure relief valve using plumber's putty on the threads.

After all hoses were installed, and water pressurized, I had a leak in both water fittings as well as the pressure relief valve (which appeared to be coming from the base of the heater.) You really have to tighten the commections hard.  At first I thought I was applying too much torque, but each time, the drips were a little less, until finally, I got a dry tank!