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Posted by on May 22, 2008, 12:41 pm
> On May 22, 9:25=A0am, "googlemail2...@yahoo.com"
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> > We have a 50 gallon heater. =A0It has a 6 year warranty and we've had it=
> > for 6 years. =A0My husband wants to get a new one before we have
> > problems with this one.
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> > Is changing the water heater every 6 years to be expected? =A0Should we
> > wait to see when/if this one gives us trouble? =A0Is it like that the
> > bottom will drop out as the first sign of trouble?
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> > If we replace it, what types are the best. =A0I don't want to do this
> > every 6 years. =A0According to my plumber getting a heater with a 10
> > year warranty only means they cover the cost if something happens, it
> > doesn't mean nothing will go wrong in 10 years.
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> > Aren't there heaters that circulate the water periodically to reduce
> > mineral buildup?
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> In my area they last longer 15-20 years Chicago water, but it depends
> on the brand, I had a commercial AO Smith last maybe 22-25 years. If
> you shop, shop EF- energy factor and quality like AO Smith. Tankless
> coil WH are designed for 30 years. Your neighbors should be able to
> tell you how your water affects their heaters life. If the basement is
> finished and a leak would cause damage a pan under the tank with a
> hose going to a drain is good as are automatic valves with a water
> sensor on the floor, that sense a leak and turn off water before major
> damage happens.- Hide quoted text -
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> - Show quoted text -
Also, there is generally a big difference between the life of a gas
heater and an electric one. Typical gas ones go about 13 years,
electric 20. But that can vary greatly depending on the local
water. Neighbors experiences can be one guide. Also, water
heaters have a sacraficial anode that is there to erode over time
instead of the tank. You can unscrew it and check it every few
years. That will give some measure of how the water is affecting the
tank. Also, if the anode is shot, you can replace it and extend the
protection. The anode screws into the top of the tank and has a hex
head, I think it's 1 1/8" socket.
As already pointed out, a lot depends on where it's located, in terms
of how long you want to push the life. If it's in a spot where a
leak won't be a big disaster, it's one thing. If it's somewhere that
doesn't have a good drain, finished basement, etc, then that would
argue for earlier replacement.
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