Our hot water heater has been working great, no cause to think anything was wrong. Then last week we happened upon a leak under the kitchen sink and, sadly, it was the hot water heater tank. My husband did a thorough examination of all fittings and valves, & found no problems. Next he bypassed the water heater & pulled it out. He hooked a garden hose directly to it, & found 2 tiny pinholes near the bottom of the tank. It is not a rip (which is what I keep finding on line when researching "repairing a hot water tank"). The holes are so small that you can't even see them when just looking at it. We are unsure what would be the best thing to use for attempting a repair, (considering the pressure and all). Last night we tried our 1st attempt with a metal tank repair epoxy that we got from Pep Boys, but it didn't hold. Someone mentioned GE true silicon waterproof caulk, but didn't really elaborate on it. Could that possibly work, or any other suggestions? I'm going to call a couple shops tomorrow that do aluminum welding (I called one today & he just said "not interested," & hung up on me). The upside is that I've finally found a reason to be happy about this 100+ temperature, here in Phoenix. The water comes straight out of the tap very warm-all day & night. Lol Thanks for any help, Ruthie
Aluminum welding is the sure way of repairing it due to high pressure and temperature it can be subjected to (210*F/150#).
Questions......
How old is water heater?
Have you always been in Phoenix area......or like areas with hard water?
Pin hole leaks indicates tank is corroding way.......Atwood water heater tanks do not use a sacrificial rod (anode rod) and the tank will corrode over time. Usually many, many years. Extended stays in areas of very hard water can decrease tank life.
Might want to consider using a portable water softener for RVs after tank repairs are done.
2007 RAM 3500 QC LB SRW 5.9L CTD 48re 4:10 4K in bed 'quiet genny'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
Hit the Road Free & Clear April '07
Hey, thanks, Old-Biscuit. We are new to this RV living. All I can say is thank God for this web sight and for so many of you willing to share. It has helped us out more than once. Anyway, we bought this '99 TT about 8 months ago from a local couple here in Phoenix. There story was that it was hardly used, & the cosmetics certainly look like that could be true. I'm afraid we may be that stereotypical couple that jumped into this without much of the right kind of research. (It's something I've always wanted to do). We are learning the hard way that its not as easy or simple as it looks. Oh well, live & learn. We already have realized many, many more questions that we know we will be asking the next time. The hot water heater is dated '98. We're just trying to get as much out of it as we can. I am definitely going to check out water softeners today-Thanks for that great heads-up. Ruthie
Your tank has corrosion and if you repair with welding or some sort of goop it will not last. I recommend replacing the tank. A new tank (not the whole water heater) will cost $250 to $350 retail depending on the model. You will have to change all the front part out to the new tank but you will end up with an almost new WH for half the price of a new one.
Larry
1994 Ford F250/7.5L/410 gears
2001 Keystone Sprinter 276RLS 14' slide
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The upside is that I've finally found a reason to be happy about this 100+ temperature, here in Phoenix. The water comes straight out of the tap very warm-all day & night. 
Lol Thanks for any help, Ruthie
