I have a steady drip (2-3 drips per second) coming from each end of the heater. It's a Watkins No Fault 6000. I got this tub used, and I asked about winter care because I feared freeze damage. The previous owner claimed to have it running this spring with no leaks. I doubt that now, this would be pretty hard to overlook.

It appears that the ends could be removed with a square head screw driver. I'm wondering if there are replaceable gaskets on each end that I could replace (or cover with silicon?)? Anyone have any thoughts on a fix for this. I'm hoping I can get away with fixing this, rather than dropping $250-300 on a new one.

Anyone?

not personally experienced with the no fault heaters... but if you can remove the ends, you can replace the gaskets. I use 1/8" thick vinyl from those vinyl curtains you see in warehouses for my gasket material. I have never had a leak from that yet, since it is slightly compressable, and thick enough to make up slight imperfections. You could probably locate some by talking to an employee of a place that uses it. They might be able to hack ya off a foot. It comes in 100' rolls usually.

Okay, I decided to take it apart and I found 4 tubes inside, with an o-ring at the end of each. Actually all 4 o-rings, on each end, were connected together and slide over the top of each tube. Anyway, I tore one of them getting it off, but I don't think it was damaged prior. On the other side, which was also leaking, I carefully inspected all the rings and they all appear intact. Could they still be the source of the problem? Maybe they wear out or stretch over time? I've got to replace one side anyway, so I'll go ahead and replace them all, hopefully that will do the trick.

Each end cover has wires coming in through the middle, going from outside the tube bundle and into the interior. As a result, even with the 4 screws removed I can't get the covers off. Is there a trick to it? I didn't think it was a good idea to muscle them off until at least posting the question - especially since I need to find new o-rings anyway, giving me some time.

Thanks

I wish i could tell you more about the no fault. In fact i am not a fan of anything labeled "hot springs". It's a personal choice. Many ppl have good luck with them. I haven't met one yet, but they are out there. I think it is swine (another frequent poster and hot springs buff on here) that might be able to help you further.

Sorry, the No-Fault 6000 is a non-field servicable part.
That's not to say it can't be done, but you'll be on your own finding individual parts. The manufacturer doesn't supply anything other than the complete heater.
Please be very carefull in repair of the No-Fault 6000, some problems during assymbly led the end-caps to melt, and in some cases, catch fire.

My advice: Replace the discontinued No-Fault 6000 with the latest PDR Hot Springs heater.

Thanks. I tried to replace the o-rings and it actually made it worse. So it looks like I'll just get the new heater, it seems pretty easy to swap out.