Quote:
Originally Posted by mtdjed
This is simply a scare tactic. Why replace a perfectly functioning water heater? They don't even mention age. Mine is 18 years old and still functioning. You are not getting it any cheaper by replacing it before it breaks.
Sure, if you have some evidence of rust or leaks, you might want to replace. The ad would be more honest if it discussed condition.
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The truth is after the warrenty is over on your gas or electric hot water tank, you are gambling on when it's going to fail. Some 6 year tanks which were generally installed in your new home could fail at 7 years, 8 years, 10 years and some have lasted way longer. BUT when they do fail they often leak and if you are not watching it, the leak can cause a lot of water damage over time.
So why is this fact vs fiction? In your hot water tank is an anode rod which sacrifices itself to the corrosive effect of the minerals in the water eating away at the tank. Depending on you water, I can only speak for the water here in the Villages, the anode rod usually is gone by the time the warrenty is over on your tank. After that, it's only a matter of time as to when the tank will get corroded enough to leak. If you have a salt based water softener then the anode rod may get used up quicker. If you have a whole house water filter your tank may last a little longer becasue there won't be a lot of sediment buildup in the tank.
Some diligent people will have their hot water tank serviced and if the anode rod is inspected and changed when it's needed, then yes the tank can last 15 or 20 years but very, very, few people spend the couple hundred dollars to do this maintenance.
Because generally, most people never service their hot water tank and or ever look at it, it's advisable to change the tank after it's warrenty is over on your own power vs on an emergency basis which will cost you double. You don't have to do it immediately but within a year or two or three when a sale or "deal" comes up, it's best to plan to have it replaced.
I know of many homeowners who have had extensive water damage from a leaking hot water tank which negates any savings you would of had by keeping your old tank until it fails. There are exceptions and you will always find "some guy" who responds on a thread like this saying his tank lasted 25 years for example, but this is generally Not the rule.
As for On-demand hot water, since you HAVE to service it once per year or two or it will basically stop working from scale build-up, these units can be replaced when they get beyond their life expectency.
I'm not saying you should take this companies deal but many companies here servicing the Villages offer this from time to time and you should take advantage of it if you find your hot water tank is beyond its warrenty period. The sticker on the side of the tank will tell you the date of manufacturer and the warrenty. Hope this helps.