Water heater tank...is this a safe temporary solution?

Question

The hot water pipes under the solid concrete slab foundation of my house has a leak. Of course, it leaks 24 hours a day. I checked with a couple plumbers for estimates but it looks like it is going to be at least a couple grand and probably more. I can't afford it right now.

In the mean time, since the inlet to the tank is on top and the hot water OUTlet is also on top of the tank (this is the highest point of elevation of the water pipe in my one-story home) I'm thinking that...if I turn of the inlet valve when I'm not at home, the water tank will not drain out through the leak (remember, the outlet is at the top of the tank and the leak is under the foundation) and the water heater will contain the existing water and keep it warm until I come home again and turn on the supply so I can wash dishes, do laundry, whatever.

Is this a rational idea or am I just asking for trouble?

Right now, I have elevated water AND electric bills because the tank is trying to heat the water as it constantly flows through it.

Again, please do not provide answers such as "Get the leak repaired" as I have already indicated it is way out of my budget to do so right now.

Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

boredstiff8 · Accepted Answer

Yes that will work fine    the pipe that is leaking probably is only  about 12" deep   and most of the time it  is a simple fix once found   and exposed

Anonymous · Answer

I am still trying to figure out why the pipes go into the concrete.  Most single floor homes I have been in the water tank is in a central wall closet and just outside the cubical is the kitchen sink on one side, the bathroom sink on the other side and laundry tub on another inside wall.  So all the plumbing would be in the inner walls.    
Have you got heated floors?
That would not be a "plumbers area of concern" if that is the case.    The infloor  heating guys are the ones you should talk to regarding finding and fixing the leak.

But, yeah you can turn off the inlet as that is what supplies the pressure to the tank.   However, turn down the temperature on the tank some too, as the water in the tank is probably boiling hot - whereas simmering hot will do.    It will not force more water out if it is simmering like a boiling pot does in the form of steam.   Just leave it a little cooler.  You probably add cold anyways to make it acceptable to your hands.  Scalding hot is not necessary.    For a day or so before you use the water is just fine.   For longer periods(you go on holidays-week/month/year) I would turn off the heating element at the breaker box or shut off the gas at the water heater and relite the pilot light when I returned.   
  As for repairing the leak in the concrete, why not consider running new lines in the walls (and or ceiling) like most humanoids and bypassing the leak completely.  Sprinkler systems are in the ceiling.  Wood be cheaper(unless, those lines are for heating the house).   Then I would get electric heat.

faetheormaine · Answer

IM going to assume the leak is after the outlet, I would turn it off there if you can !!!  If you cant like mine i would say yes it is logical that some water will stay in just dont leave it too long if you evap enough off youll run it dry and hot and that is a bad combo.

rob89434 · Answer

Yes that is fine to do. Water might still drain out of the pipe while your not home and you'll get some air coming out of the faucet once you turn the water back on but it's ok.

Dubidiocho · Answer

It is OK but I would shut OFF the Breaker also whenever the water is off and take your showers before going to bed and shut it all down at that time to conserve all night also.

Kirk · Answer

a cheaper alternative may be to find a couple of used radiators that run on water. this would get u by until you can afford a repair.

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Water heater tank...is this a safe temporary solution?

6 Answers