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Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker (Ward County Notary Services)

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Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Looks like oatmeal or a Bear Claw danish Bob. I must be hungry...

Apr 27, 2019 07:14 AM
Rainmaker
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Bob - you likely know what to do and based on Wanda's description I am probably gonna pass on breakfast at her house.

Apr 27, 2019 10:23 AM
Rainmaker
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Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

How long is nearly? Looks like some sort of corrosion. I would call a plumber.

Apr 27, 2019 07:27 AM
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Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I will ask Christopher Murpy and get back to you.

Apr 27, 2019 07:20 AM
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Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Time to call Joe, the Plumber!

Apr 27, 2019 09:32 AM
Rainmaker
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Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

I had something similar, not as crusty on mine. Called the plumber and he said it was good I did. Metal corrosion which would've worked it's way down and into the tank if left. 

Apr 27, 2019 08:05 AM
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Dario Ferreira
Attleboro, MA
Internet Marketing & SEO

It does look like galvanic corrosion.
It looks like the top of the tank is shot - the corrosion is even around the vent.

By the way, that's a copper pipe connected to a galvanized steel pipe (tank).
Once the plastic inner liner of the tank steel pipe fails and lets water touch the steel at the connection point, it starts a galvanic corrosion between the copper and steel.

Apr 27, 2019 12:10 PM
Rainmaker
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Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Time to consult a plumber 

Apr 27, 2019 08:17 AM
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Have you drained your hot water heater?  Imagine what might be inside.

Apr 27, 2019 07:23 AM
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Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Perhaps galvanic corrosion between the two types of metal.  https://www.fastenal.com/content/feds/pdf/Article%20-%20Corrosion.pdf

Apr 27, 2019 06:47 AM
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Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

I have no idea, I have never seen that.  It's time to call the plumber.

Apr 27, 2019 01:14 PM
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am with the oatmeal and bear claw ... but we know that is not it. More along the lines of Bill Spear. 
You have helpful comments here. 

Apr 27, 2019 11:57 AM
Rainmaker
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Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Something I see in AZ at home inspections. Looks like a slow water leak on your gas water heater, and what you see are the water sediments.  May  be time to consider replacing it. May I suggest a tankless system?

Apr 27, 2019 07:52 AM
Rainmaker
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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

when brass comes in contact with water, it will corrode over time....it will soon leak...call a plumber before it gets any worse...

Apr 27, 2019 07:47 AM
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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Think it is time for a professional opinion. To the untrained eye, it is time for concern!

Apr 27, 2019 07:01 AM
Rainmaker
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I haven't a clue, Bob. And because I don't I'd be worried and be calling in a professional to check things out.

Apr 27, 2019 06:41 AM
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Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I have not read the answers yet but it's some kind of excessive corrosion and I seriously doubt that nothing is leaking. My stomach is also currently queasy 🤢

Apr 28, 2019 06:25 AM
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Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

It's very common: it's a chemical reaction to two different metals touching.

You have copper touching galvanized, etc. boom! That is on every water heater over time that was not installed by a pro. See it all the time.

Apr 27, 2019 06:46 PM
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Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Leave this to Liz and Bill Spear to figure out - very good! Might be time for a new water heater?

Apr 27, 2019 11:22 AM
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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Oh My! 

Apr 27, 2019 09:17 AM
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

OMG, it looks like crumb cake with a couple of cucumber slices as garnish, Bob! What on earth is it?

May 02, 2019 07:58 PM
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Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

I’m with Doug Dawes on this one Bob it does look like corrosion.

Apr 28, 2019 09:11 PM
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Kris Collis, Associate Broker
Smart Way America Realty - East Stroudsburg, PA
Professional Results you Expect 570-801-5525

Bob, Is your tank still under warranty?  See about warranty coverage and replacement options.

Apr 28, 2019 06:34 PM
Rainmaker
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James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Not a clue, but whatever it is, it's time to get rid of it.  Imagine what is in the tank

Apr 28, 2019 03:37 AM
Rainmaker
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Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

There is a sacrificial rod inside the water heater that probably corroded away. Some older models, that rod could be replaced, but many times it's easier to just replace the hot water heater, especially  if it's over 12-15 years old.

Apr 28, 2019 03:25 AM
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Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I don't think I want to take a shower now.

Apr 28, 2019 12:46 AM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Everything oxidizes, though you may want to explore Wanda's idea, what does it taste like?

In the end though it is likely what Bill said, corrosion between the metals.

Apr 27, 2019 06:21 PM
Rainmaker
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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I agree John Pusa , hopefully I can get another year or two out if it but as soon as I see a visable sign of water it will be replaced.

Apr 27, 2019 04:52 PM
Rainmaker
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Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

water content did something. I see this in my humidifier only thicker.

Apr 27, 2019 11:24 AM
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Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

That I'm not sure.  Best to call a plumber or handyman.  Might be something you can get scraped off.

Apr 27, 2019 08:26 AM
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Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

I think you need to check the pH of your water. In addition, let's face it, the metal used in today's Chinese plumbing fixtures is filled with impurities and will fail very quickly due to numerous factors.

Apr 29, 2019 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
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Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Bob "RealMan" Timm Sorry, I am clueless. I will follow the answers and hopefully it is something that can be resolved easily & cheaply.

Apr 28, 2019 05:03 PM
Rainmaker
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Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Looks like corrossion with a however, do you have well water? Could be high sodium? hardness or such?

Apr 28, 2019 03:30 PM
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Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Sort of looks like the brass caused a chemical reaction to contact with the water heater.  

Apr 28, 2019 02:16 PM
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J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

I have no idea. I imagine a plumber would be the best person to ask about this one. 

Apr 28, 2019 02:00 PM
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Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I think I might want a new hot water tank sooner than later...

Apr 27, 2019 07:35 PM
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John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Bob "RealMan" Timm some kind of corrosion. It is better take care of it.

Apr 27, 2019 04:01 PM
Rainer
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Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

Glad you saw it and can address it before it became a serious problem.  Keep us posted! 

Apr 27, 2019 01:40 PM
Rainmaker
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Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

It may be time for  a new water heater. They look so nice and clean. And sometimes come with 10 years warranty. Tankless may be a good idea, too, as Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR suggests.

Apr 27, 2019 12:56 PM
Rainmaker
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Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Time to bring in the professional. Call the plumber!

Apr 27, 2019 12:12 PM
Rainmaker
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Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

So many ways to look at it and I like others would be calling a plumber!

Apr 27, 2019 10:26 AM
Rainmaker
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Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

fascinating message being sent from this to you....We need an interpreter

Apr 27, 2019 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

We would be calling a professional...A

Apr 27, 2019 07:40 AM
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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I would call a plumber before something happens.

 

May 01, 2019 04:30 PM
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John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Well, Bob "RealMan" Timm, is it time for a new water heater?  

Apr 29, 2019 06:32 PM
Rainmaker
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Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

No idea. Any plumbers in the Rain?

Apr 29, 2019 02:51 PM
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Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Some one eat a lot of popcorns with butter left over.

Apr 27, 2019 10:07 AM
Rainmaker
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Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Did you find out what happen?

Jun 04, 2019 12:19 PM