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Home Water Heater Life Expectancy - Should I Replace?

1,730 Views | 12 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by Dustoff00
infinity ag
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2:42p, 1/3/24
My water heater has a manufacture date of Feb 2010 and is 50 gallons for a 2500 sqft home.

I don't experience any problems. Should I look to replace it? Or should I wait for it to show some signs of dying.

If you think I should replace, can you make any suggestions for type and capacity? The HVAC guy said 40 gal should be good.
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rancher1953
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3:05p, 1/3/24
My question is the water heater in the attic or another location such as the attached garage. If in the attic, I would keep a very close eye on it for signs of leaks. My experience about 15 years is the life expectancy for a water heater. All of this again depends on your location and type of water you have. But if it aint broke leave it alone and keep an eye on it. As Ronald Regan said, "TRUST BUT VERIFY."
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bco2003
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3:06p, 1/3/24
AG
If it's located in an attic, I'd definitely proactively replace it. In a garage location where you could tolerate flooding, maybe chance it.
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to infinity ag • 3:25p, 1/3/24
AG
Replaced a 2004 40-gal unit in 2020 at 16 years old. Was starting to leak at the supply fitting. I bought a Bradford white 50-gal shorty from Ferguson to replace it. Would avoid the big box stuff. Measure your attic ladder and overall clearance in attic.
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infinity ag
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In reply to rancher1953 • 4:07p, 1/3/24
rancher1953 said:
My question is the water heater in the attic or another location such as the attached garage. If in the attic, I would keep a very close eye on it for signs of leaks. My experience about 15 years is the life expectancy for a water heater. All of this again depends on your location and type of water you have. But if it aint broke leave it alone and keep an eye on it. As Ronald Regan said, "TRUST BUT VERIFY."

It is in the basement.
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infinity ag
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In reply to bco2003 • 4:08p, 1/3/24
bco2003 said:
If it's located in an attic, I'd definitely proactively replace it. In a garage location where you could tolerate flooding, maybe chance it.

I am planning to move in about 2 years. And rent the house (current plan). I don't want the renter to deal with flooding so maybe I should begin to look now.

Any thoughts on what I should go for, cost brand, type etc?
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Dill-Ag13
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8:54a, 1/4/24
AG
40 gal. Short 40 MBH Residential Natural Gas Water Heater | Bradford White | Ferguson
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infinity ag
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 2:43p, 1/4/24
Dill-Ag13 said:
40 gal. Short 40 MBH Residential Natural Gas Water Heater | Bradford White | Ferguson

Thanks!
Does it make sense to go with the tankless type?
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tgivaughn
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5:18p, 1/4/24
AG
50g gas is the minimum in basement country (60+ if electric) MORE if renter has many females
We tend to use hot water for duties all at once then go to work or to sleep is why.
Renters should have a tank WH and pay its bills and call for service/leaks, if any
Same height as original will minimize plumbing pipe reach & replacement costs.

Your new house could have a demand gas/propane WH since you are on top of any problems there which may save $$$$
Ten words or less ... a goal unattainable
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to infinity ag • 6:01p, 1/4/24
AG
Depends. We went dumb tank water heater so if we lose power we still have heat. Tankless is much more complicated.
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rancher1953
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10:46p, 1/4/24
Tank less a lot more problems. If electric, 99% chance you will have to run another 220 service line for it with 2 40 amp. breaker and the proper sized line that goes with it. Then over time if the water is hard the tubes inside the heater will start to clog. A good friend owns a plumbing company in Katy and he refuses to put them in because of the problems encountered.
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ABATTBQ11
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In reply to infinity ag • 11:17p, 1/4/24
AG
If you want to keep and rent the house long term, look into a Rheem Marathon. Lifetime tank warranty.
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Dustoff00
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1:56a, 1/6/24
AG
If you replace with a regular tank, just flush it yearly, replace the rod every 5 -7 years depending on water type (<$50 part, 30-1 hr work at most) and the new one may last you a life time.
Dedicated Unhesitating Service To Our Fighting Forces
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