Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
Most people will never do any of those things, and their water heater will still last about 12-15 years. Note that the Rheem owners manual does not recommend draining and flushing the tank or replacing the anode as regular maintenance items. Opening the drain valve can cause the valve to start to leak due to calcium build-up.
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Before any reader of these posts thinks my advice is not correct, he/she should consider:
1.That Rheem doesn't want you to properly maintain your water heater. Their business is selling you a new tank and having you be happy to do so every 12-15 years. $50 if done yourself, or $150 if done by a plumber, to replace the anode every 3-5 years is a lot cheaper than the cost of replacing a water heater and repairing the damage if the tank leaks or ruptures.
2. If replacing a sacrificial anode is not necessary, why do boat owners do so on a regular schedule? One of the first reasons that marine surveyors (inspectors) will downgrade, a boat that is being inspected for insurance purposes or sale is if the zincs have not been regularly replaced.
3. The reason the hose bib valve on a tank might leak after being opened is because the system does not have a water softener that prevents the build up of calcium.
You can do regular and effective maintenance on your house, appliances, and cars, or you can make complaints on this forum about the cost of replacing them.