[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

With all due respect, I don't understand your reasoning. You can buy a Rheem water heater with a 6-year warranty for a retail price of $449 or a Rheem water heater with a 12-year warranty for $649. The labor to install it is not covered by the warranty. What is wrong with a 6-year warranty for an item that costs less than $500? My car cost $35K and it only had a 3-year warranty. Also, if your 12-year warranty water heater fails at 10 years, how long is it going to take to contact Rheem and enforced the warranty to save $249, while you are out of hot water? If your 6-year warranty water heater fails at 10 years, a plumber will replace it the same day. To me, it is a no brainer that the water heater with a 6-year warranty is a better deal.

AI agrees with you. Here’s what it says:
“The difference in quality between an electric hot water heater with a six-year warranty and one with a twelve-year warranty is often minimal, with the longer warranty primarily reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in the longevity of the product. While some manufacturers may include slightly better components like a thicker anode rod or a more robust tank lining in the 12-year models, the core construction is often the same. The longer warranty essentially acts as a form of insurance, offering more coverage in case of premature failure.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Warranty as Insurance:
The longer warranty doesn't necessarily guarantee a longer lifespan, but it does provide more coverage if the water heater fails within the warranty period. This can be particularly valuable if the unit fails in the later years of its expected lifespan.
Potential Component Differences:
While the core construction might be similar, manufacturers might use slightly better components in the 12-year models. For example, they might include a thicker or longer anode rod to protect the tank from corrosion for a longer period.
Read the Fine Print:
It's crucial to read the warranty details carefully. Some warranties are pro-rated, meaning you might only receive a partial credit towards a replacement if the unit fails in the later years.
Lifespan vs. Warranty:
Most tank water heaters are expected to last between 8 to 12 years, with proper maintenance. A 12-year warranty provides coverage for a significant portion of that lifespan, while a 6-year warranty might not cover the full expected lifespan.
Cost vs. Benefit:
A longer warranty will typically come at a higher upfront cost. Consider whether the additional cost is worth the increased coverage, especially if you are diligent about maintenance and understand the potential for pro-rated replacements.”

My garage door faces east, the side wall faces south, and there is no insulation above the ceiling, so it gets really hot in the garage in the summer. I wonder if that slows the dissipation of heat through the water heater walls.

[Cliff Fr]

They don't make them like they used too. We had our 40 gallon electric water heater replaced last year. It was a GE from 1996 there was nothing wrong with it I only replaced it out of caution. The house was built in 2001 and the owner/builder put a used water heater in.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Cliff Fr

They don't make them like they used too. We had our 40 gallon electric water heater replaced last year. It was a GE from 1996 there was nothing wrong with it I only replaced it out of caution. The house was built in 2001 and the owner/builder put a used water heater in.

I agree, but what appliance can you buy today that costs less than $500 and has a 6-year warranty? Some people spend more than $2,000 for a refrigerator and only get a 1-year warranty.

[SaucyJim]

How about tankless? Anyone have opinions on that as an option for replacement?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by SaucyJim

How about tankless? Anyone have opinions on that as an option for replacement?

If you have a tank type electric water heater, replacing it with an electric tankless water heater will not work without costly electrical upgrades to your house. You may even need to upgrade your electrical panel. It is usually not worth it. Get a quote from an electrician.

[bowlingal]

jrref....Mike Scott installs Rehm elec 40 gal water heaters for about $900 with expansion tank ( required by law) and ALL connections and removes old heater too! Rehm is top of the line and the warranty is 10 years

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Consider a tankless water heater before purchasing the 40-gallon.

[Frank495]

Consider insta hot water heater, I experienced a significant decrease in electric bill.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

jrref....Mike Scott installs Rehm elec 40 gal water heaters for about $900 with expansion tank ( required by law) and ALL connections and removes old heater too! Rehm is top of the line and the warranty is 10 years

You are correct. Apparently, Rheem has revised their classic warranty to 10 years. However, this warranty only covers the parts for 10 years, and the labor for one year. When you replace a water heater, the labor will be the most expensive part of the replacement.

Update: Home Depot and the Rheem website still refers to the performance $449 water heater as having a 6-year warranty, but other websites show it to be 10 years. Very confusing.

[Mrfriendly]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I'm thinking about replacing my 12-year-old water heater. If anyone has done this recently, what plumbing outfit did you use, and what was the total cost? Thanks

Kiley & Son’s replaced ours 2yrs ago. Very pleased with their service:
$940 + $70 new 40 gal electric water heater.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

You are correct. Apparently, Rheem has revised their classic warranty to 10 years. However, this warranty only covers the parts for 10 years, and the labor for one year. When you replace a water heater, the labor will be the most expensive part of the replacement.

I like Mike Scott. I feel that specific company provides a good service at a fair price.

If the above is correct, then go with the $900 deal unless you want the automatic water detection and shutoff Rheem tank. I'm sure they will install that at well at a slightly higher cost.

I often question a HVAC company advertising a cheap price "special". In those situations you need to find out what equipment they are installing and what they are replacing during the installation.

About the 6 year vs 10 or 12 year warranty. What most have said is basically true but for example, just having a larger anode rod for example, can extend the life of the tank more years. We have pulled the anode rod on the basic and upgraded tanks and confirmed the longer warranty tank had a thicker anode rod and some use two instead of one to extend the life of the tank. So, the point of the longer warranty is to get a better made tank that has the potential of lasting longer. And of course, if it ever fails the pro rate will be better so there is some benefit there.

Finally, whomever installs your system, Always make sure they pressurize the expansion tank to the maximum water pressure at your home. These tanks come from the factory with a 40psi charge when you probably need 70psi. If this is not done, the tank will not work properly and fail prematurely. You don't know how many so called "professionals" skip this step for some reason.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

With all due respect, I don't understand your reasoning. You can buy a Rheem water heater with a 6-year warranty for a retail price of $449 or a Rheem water heater with a 12-year warranty for $649. The labor to install it is not covered by the warranty. What is wrong with a 6-year warranty for an item that costs less than $500? My car cost $35K and it only had a 3-year warranty. Also, if your 12-year warranty water heater fails at 10 years, how long is it going to take to contact Rheem and enforce the warranty to save $249, while you are out of hot water? If your 6-year warranty water heater fails at 10 years, a plumber will replace it the same day. To me, it is a no brainer that the water heater with a 6-year warranty is a better deal.

The main reason is the anode rod in the 12 year tank will be thicker than the 6 year tank. They list this in their specifications. The performance of the anode rod will determine the longevity of the tank. Remember, the anode rod is a sacrifical rod that protects the tank from corrosion.

The other option if you are handy is to get the 6 year tank and purchase an electronic anode rod. You can get these on Amazon. Then at installation have the tech remove the anode rod and install the electronic rod. You will void the warranty but from what everyone has indicated the warrany is not worth much anyway. With the electronic rod the tank should last a very long time.

[Vickim]

Second Mike Scott’s !
Check for rebates mine was done for $700 but that was in 2021 with a $200 rebate

[chickadee]

I bought the Rheem Gladiator with auto shut off valve and leak detection and had Torri Plumbing do the install…I did have to already have the unit at my home as they do not pick up items at Home Depot. Excellent job and about $900 total. Very pleased with their professionalism and they took old heater with them. Auto Shut Off valve is a definite Plus!

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by jrref

The main reason is the anode rod in the 12 year tank will be thicker than the 6 year tank. They list this in their specifications. The performance of the anode rod will determine the longevity of the tank. Remember, the anode rod is a sacrifical rod that protects the tank from corrosion.

The other option if you are handy is to get the 6 year tank and purchase an electronic anode rod. You can get these on Amazon. Then at installation have the tech remove the anode rod and install the electronic rod. You will void the warranty but from what everyone has indicated the warrany is not worth much anyway. With the electronic rod the tank should last a very long time.

I doubt that many people will do this. If a $449 water heater lasts only 8 to 10 years, I feel like I got my money's worth.