Water heater replacement
#61
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,154
Re: Water heater replacement
UPDATE:
Second quote was far more reasonable. Plumber came out, immediately said the HWT was overkill, and that a ~50 gallon would suffice (easily). 10 year warranty was reasonable given average life in our town is 7 years, and the invoice was fully itemized.
Now in a much stronger negotiating position (will likely not use the first company in any case).
Thank you all!
Second quote was far more reasonable. Plumber came out, immediately said the HWT was overkill, and that a ~50 gallon would suffice (easily). 10 year warranty was reasonable given average life in our town is 7 years, and the invoice was fully itemized.
Now in a much stronger negotiating position (will likely not use the first company in any case).
Thank you all!
#63
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,154
Re: Water heater replacement
Very useful feedback here, and my faith in the second company was increased when he immediately flagged the current setup as overkill and would be way too expensive for our needs.
I also rely a lot on gut feeling with vendors as well, can tell within 5 mins if they are reputable or not..
I also rely a lot on gut feeling with vendors as well, can tell within 5 mins if they are reputable or not..
#64
Re: Water heater replacement
Very useful feedback here, and my faith in the second company was increased when he immediately flagged the current setup as overkill and would be way too expensive for our needs.
I also rely a lot on gut feeling with vendors as well, can tell within 5 mins if they are reputable or not..
I also rely a lot on gut feeling with vendors as well, can tell within 5 mins if they are reputable or not..
#65
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,379
Re: Water heater replacement
I took Pulaski’s advice and just ran a CPVC pipe down to drain pan from pressure release valve. It’s common practice to do that here. I meant to have done that when I installed the water heater but forgot about it with the hundreds of other things I was doing in the house build. I have also ordered a new anode rod and will post a photo of the old and new during replacement. Like I mentioned before when I replaced the anode rod at my old house after 15 years it was a one inch stub. That water heater according to new owner is still working fine with 25 years in service. Pulaski did you ever confirm that your water heater has an anode rod? A side note check out Supply House website for electrical and plumbing stuff. I have bought from them a couple of times and their prices are the lowest I have found with fast shipping.
Last edited by ddsrph; Jul 9th 2022 at 4:34 pm.
#66
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,379
Re: Water heater replacement
I ordered a new anode rod for my 30 gallon Rheem electric water heater. To my surprise I found a factory Rheem replacement for $10.71 from Supply House. Com. While I am waiting to receive the part I took out the existing rod which is in a Five year old water heater. It was totally eaten away which was surprising after only 5 years. When I get the new one tomorrow I will post a photo of both. I think I will now replace every three years. It’s a ten minute job and could add ten years or more to the life of heater.
#67
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,379
Re: Water heater replacement
I just replaced the anode rod on my five year old 30 gallon electric water heater. Here is a picture of old and new rod. My tank is glass lined as is most modern tanks. In the five years the old anode rod is almost eaten away. The new one was only $11.75 and easy to replace.
#68
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Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,618
Re: Water heater replacement
.... and there was me questioning as to whether it was REALLY necessary when hubby started replacing the anode tube every 3 years !
Scary .....
Scary .....
#69
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,379
Re: Water heater replacement
Most people aren’t aware they even exist. I wasn’t until just a few years ago. It can really extend the life of water heater.
#70
Re: Water heater replacement
I just replaced the anode rod on my five year old 30 gallon electric water heater. Here is a picture of old and new rod. My tank is glass lined as is most modern tanks. In the five years the old anode rod is almost eaten away. The new one was only $11.75 and easy to replace. ....
#71
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,379
Re: Water heater replacement
I keep forgetting to check my own water heater for an anode rod, but I have an old (a full 30 years old!) water heater awaiting a one-way trip to the scrap yard, and I have tried to remove the only bolt in the top of the heater, which I assume is the anode, and it will not budge. I tried with all my might with the heater in the upright position, to no avail, and then I laid the water heater on it's side, and positioned it so that I was pushing down to loosen the bolt, still to no avail. I may ask my FIL if he has a longer handle, a "breaker bar", for the 1 1/8" socket, but otherwise I may have to give up my hopes of finding out what is left of the anode.
#72
Re: Water heater replacement
I keep forgetting to check my own water heater for an anode rod, but I have an old (a full 30 years old!) water heater awaiting a one-way trip to the scrap yard, and I have tried to remove the only bolt in the top of the heater, which I assume is the anode, and it will not budge. I tried with all my might with the heater in the upright position, to no avail, and then I laid the water heater on it's side, and positioned it so that I was pushing down to loosen the bolt, still to no avail. I may ask my FIL if he has a longer handle, a "breaker bar", for the 1 1/8" socket, but otherwise I may have to give up my hopes of finding out what is left of the anode.
#73
Re: Water heater replacement
It would make an interesting discussion in A' level, or undergraduate physics, estimating the force one man could apply.
Last edited by Pulaski; Sep 11th 2022 at 2:46 pm.