That “surprise indoor swimming pool” line hits a little too close to home—been there, mopped that. I’d add: if you’re seeing rust on the pressure relief valve or the drain spout, that’s usually my cue to start sweating. Sometimes folks forget about the anode rod too—ever checked or replaced it? That thing’s like the unsung hero of water heaters. Curious if yours is original or if it’s ever been swapped out...
Honestly, I get the anode rod hype, but sometimes I think people overestimate how much it can save a dying tank. I swapped one out on my old heater, thinking I was buying myself a few more years, but the rust monster had already moved in. If you’re seeing rust on the outside, especially around the relief valve, that’s usually a sign things are pretty far gone. Sometimes it’s just time to let go and avoid the “indoor pool” sequel...
If you’re seeing rust on the outside, especially around the relief valve, that’s usually a sign things are pretty far gone.
Had a similar situation in one of my rentals—thought I could squeak by with just an anode swap, but the bottom literally gave out a month later. Curious, has anyone actually managed to save a tank long-term with just an anode change once rust was already visible? Or is that just wishful thinking?
I’ve wondered about this too. I mean, if rust’s already showing on the outside, isn’t that a sign the inside’s probably just as bad or worse? Has anyone actually had luck patching things up with sealant or is that just delaying the inevitable?
I used to think a little rust on the outside of the tank was just cosmetic—kind of like an old car with a few battle scars. Turns out, water heaters aren’t quite as forgiving. If you’re seeing rust on the outside, there’s a decent chance the inside’s already seen better days. I learned this the hard way last winter when my “just a little rusty” tank started leaking all over the basement floor at 2am. Not my favorite midnight adventure.
About sealants—honestly, I tried one of those “miracle” patches after spotting a rusty patch near the bottom. It bought me maybe a couple of weeks, but it was basically a band-aid on a sinking ship. The rust is usually coming from inside out, so once it’s visible, the inner lining’s probably compromised and the anode rod (the thing that’s supposed to slow down corrosion) is likely toast.
If it’s a tiny spot and you’re desperate to stretch things until payday, a sealant might keep the flood at bay for a short while. But I wouldn’t trust it for long—especially if your tank’s over 8-10 years old. I wish I’d just replaced mine sooner, honestly. Saved myself a lot of mopping and some very creative cursing.
In my experience, once rust shows up, it’s pretty much the universe’s way of telling you to start shopping for a new heater. That said, if someone here has actually had long-term luck with sealants, I’d love to hear about it, because my wallet is still recovering.
