Water Pump

Vehicle: 1994 Chevrolet K2500 4X4 Pickup
Mileage: 107,000
Engine: 5.7 L 350

Question: I have had the truck for about 6 years. Shortly after buying the truck, I was underneath inspecting things. I noticed a small amount of fluid that had ran down the back of the lower radiator hose, coming from where the hose attaches to the bottom of the water pump. I took the truck in and was advised that I needed a new water pump (water coming from the weap hole). After the new pump was installed, I noticed the same slight amount of water on the hose (not enough to drip onto the ground, but a small trickle down the hose). A second new water pump was installed (I was told the first one must have been defective). Once again, I noticed the trickle of fluid after the second pump was installed.

Another mechanic inspected it and told me that he thought that the water was from where the hose actually attached to the water pump and not to worry about it. So I had the lower hose replaced anyway. I was also told that sometimes water may pass through the weap hole and if the water pump was actually showing signs of failure, it would leak more that just that little bit.

I have driven the truck since all of this happened and have never had more than an occasional trickle of water on the back of the hose. Nothing dripping on the ground. The temperature stays down and the coolant level is always good. There is also no unusual noise coming from the water pump and I have put about 15,000 miles on the truck since the water pump was replaced.

Is it possible to have some water/antifreeze on the lower hose like that?

Thanks.