Unvented water tank cylinder leaking underneath

[e5c3d4]

I have an unvented water cylinder. It looks like it’s leaking underneath. There is water slowly seeping out from around the base. I can’t find any leaks around pipework or connections. Please see photos.

Is it likely to be the metal outer skin that has rusted or is there some inner skin that goes?

Is my only option to pull out the tank and have a look underneath?

Thanks very much

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Is it likely to be the metal outer skin that has rusted or is there some inner skin that goes?

The connections, certainly look as if they terminate on an inner cylinder - that would suggest to me, that it is impossible to tell from just looking at it, or a photo, whether the inner cylinder has developed a leak, or it is a union leaking.

I would try making some tissue or newspaper, into a tight spill and try probing in the gaps, below where the unions are. If the spill comes out wet, then you have an idea where the moisture is emerging from. I would also try to dry up the moisture, and try to determine just where it reappears first. You then might be able to remake the joint.

Favourite for a possible leaking union, would be that long, unsupported pipe, in the centre of the photo.