Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
Warranties have very little to do with the useful lifespan of any product. If everyone did as you say, manufacturers would shorten their warranties to sell more products. The average lifespan of almost every product, including water heaters, is much longer than their warranty. Typically, new vehicles are only warranted for 3 years, and most other products have only a one year warranty.
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Actually not totally correct. Depending on your water, the anode rod which slows the corrosion in the hot water tank will only last so long. Usually it’s expended by the time the water heater warranty is done. After that, It’s a gamble on when the minerals, etc, start eating away at the inside of your tank. We replaced a neighbors hot water heater at 7 years old here in the Villages and removed the anode rod and confirmed this. That said, if you are a gambler then do nothing and wait for the tank to leak then replace it and any water damage that might occur. Rarely, the tank just lets loose but that can also happen and then you will be in a world of hurt. So it’s actually best to plan on replacing the water heater after the warranty is done. Here in the Villages the original tank is warrantied for 6 years. You can purchase a new one with a 12 year warranty. The idea is to replace the tank as planned maintenance vs paying double when the tank leaks or lets loose for an emergency replacement. I’ve also heard of insurance companies cancelling your policy if you don’t replace the heater after a certain period. Hope this helps!