once rust gets cozy in there, it’s like inviting termites to a wooden house
That’s a pretty solid way to put it. I’ve seen folks try the patch-and-pray method, too. Epoxy, duct tape, even some wild “miracle” sprays—none of them seem to hold up once the tank’s rusted through. Is there ever a point where patching is actually safe, though? Or is it just buying time until things get messy (or wet)? I always wonder if there’s a way to tell when you’re crossing from “minor fix” territory into “this thing could flood my basement at 2am” territory.
Also, does anyone else worry about safety with these patches? Like, if the tank gives out under pressure, that can’t be good for anyone nearby. Maybe I’m just overly cautious, but I’d rather deal with an empty wallet than a surprise indoor pool... or worse.
Is there ever a point where patching is actually safe, though? Or is it just buying time until things get messy (or wet)?
Honestly, once you see rust eating through a water heater tank, you’re basically on borrowed time. Patching might buy you a few days or weeks if you’re really in a pinch, but it’s never a long-term fix. I’ve seen those “miracle” sprays hold up just long enough for someone to get their hopes up... then boom, indoor lake. As for the safety part, yeah—it’s not just paranoia. Pressurized tanks can fail pretty dramatically if the metal’s weak. Personally, I’d rather cough up for a new tank than risk a midnight geyser.
Patching might buy you a few days or weeks if you’re really in a pinch, but it’s never a long-term fix.
Had a client try epoxy on a pinhole once—held for maybe two weeks, then the seam split wide open. Water everywhere. Honestly, I don’t trust patches on tanks under pressure. Just not worth the risk.
I get the hesitation with patches, especially on something that’s holding back gallons of hot water under pressure. But man, I’ve been tempted more than once to slap some JB Weld on a rusty spot and hope for the best, just to avoid shelling out for a new tank. Has anyone actually had a patch last longer than a month? Or is it always just a ticking time bomb?
I’m not wild about spending a ton on a replacement if I can squeeze another season out of the old one, but the idea of coming home to a flooded basement is... not great. Is there any middle ground here? Like, is it worth trying a patch if you’re keeping a close eye on it, or is that just asking for trouble? I feel like every time I try to save money with a “temporary fix,” it ends up costing me more in the long run. Maybe I’m just unlucky, though.
Has anyone actually had a patch last longer than a month? Or is it always just a ticking time bomb?
I’ve patched a couple tanks in my day, and honestly, the best I ever got was maybe two months before the slow drip turned into a full-blown leak again. The thing with water heater tanks is, once they start rusting through, it’s like trying to stop a sinking ship with duct tape. JB Weld and similar stuff can buy you a bit of time, but it’s really just a band-aid on a bigger problem.
I get the temptation though—nobody wants to drop $800+ on a new tank if you can squeeze another season out of the old one. But in my experience, those “temporary fixes” usually end up failing at the worst possible moment (like 2am, when you’re out of towels and the basement’s turning into a wading pool). If you’re keeping a close eye and don’t mind the risk, sure, slap a patch on for a few weeks. Just don’t trust it for long. Sometimes peace of mind is worth more than the gamble... even if your wallet disagrees.
