Question about Hot water Heater!

[Macdawgg]

Hi guys-Yesterday my sister had her furnace serviced as part of a yearly plan that she does. Well the tech told her her furnace was fine but her hot water heater is 13yrs old and should be replaced. Now mind you there are no leaks or noises coming from the tank been working just fine but according to the tech since it's 13yrs old she should have it replaced due to it's age. My question is the tech right? should she go ahead and replace a perfectly working tank due to it's age or should she wait until it fails before replacing it? I was always under the impression HWH would last a good 20yrs. I'd like to get the opinion of you experts.

Thanks!

 

[Geofd]

i think there are variables in that question
water quality
demand
is it directly on the floor or up off the floor
conditions of the space
has it been flushed regularly
has the anode rode been inspected or changed
my thoughts are around ten years give or take

 

[Jeff Handy]

20 years is possible but unlikely.
10-15 years is more normal lifespan.
They can even fail earlier, depends on maintenance, water conditions, and just luck sometimes.

EDIT Geofd and I posted same time, and similar opinions.

 

[Macdawgg]

Sure

demand-It's only her and the two kids but she does quite a bit of laundry daily and the all take baths.
it's a gas tank not on the floor.
Never been flushed in years that's what I was teaching her to do./
Anode is still the original.

So would your recommendation be to go ahead and change it now or just wait until it fails?

 

[havasu]

I'd be interested in their quote for replacement? Whatever you do, get at least three bids for water heater replacement from different companies. If the water heater was to spring a leak, would the water be contained, or would it damage lots of items around it?

This reminds me of car dealerships who offer a free 25 point inspection FOR YOUR SAFETY. Don't believe it one bit. They are looking for items that could be construed as needing replacement, so they can get your money. I use them to give me an idea what to bring up to my personal mechanic, who is honest and doesn't like throwing money away for the sake of padding their wallet.

 

[CT18]

There is no way to tell when it will go, but i would assume it is closer to the end than the beginning. Is it in a location that when it lets go will cause damage or is it in a basement with no finished walls or floors

 

[Macdawgg]

Sure-It's in her basement which is unfinished so if it were to leak the worse case scenario is water around the tank itself because it's near a drain so the majority of the basement would be fine. Concerning quotes I looked into it for her and here's what I got so far for a 40gallon short tank which is what she has now.

1. The furnace company that suggested the replacement quoted $1300.00 minus tax.
2. Home Depot has a Rheem Performance Platinum 40 gal with a 12yr warranty-$594.00 (installed minus taxes would be $1218.00)
3. Loew's has a A.O. Smith Signature Premier 40 gallon with a 12yr warranty-$598.00(installed with taxes would be $1317.01 TOTAL)

The Rheem doesn't seem to have good reviews on HD's website but the A.O. Smith seems pretty good but I'm not familiar with brands.

So what do you guys think?

 

[breplum]

Yes you might get 20 years and I have seen as short as 6 years.
13 is certainly old enough to consider replacing.
Both brands are quite ok (imho and experience). I prefer Rheem but everybody has their own set of experiences, so become jaded (or opinionated based on limited chance encounters) more or less.
What you get with the 12 yr model is same tank as a 6 yr. but added extra (2nd anode rod and the prorated tank warranty).
Those prices are reasonable.
In my area (S.F. greater bay area, i'm in the wealthy suburbs) the current going rate is starting at $1,800. if you are lucky. Commensurate with high cost of living and basement installs get a few hundred extra added.

 

[Jeff Handy]

Make sure any quotes include haul away of the old heater, at least to the curb.
In my area, junkers will always take it from there.

 

[Macdawgg]

Thanks for all the input guys I told her to go with the A.O. Smith from Loew's they'll take the old one away as well she e-mailed me the quote from the furnace guy and he quoted her 1302.00 for a Bradford with a 6 yr warranty so the 12 yr was hard to pass on.

Thanks again guys for all your help!!

 

[rickwhoo]

Wow, those prices to replace a water heater are higher than I thought...

My electric water heater is 18 years old now. I bought a new one a few years ago just to have for when this one craps out. Everyday I say to myself, let's replace it today and everyday I also say, let's see how long it will last... But I am ready

 

[Stanlee]

Anecdotal: This summer I replaced a Sears 40 gal that was 40yrs old. Replaced thermocouple about 15yrs ago.

I'm from the generation that said "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and "if it is broke, fix it".
Obviously there comes a time when Plug and Play is the better option.
YMMV

 

[TomFOhio]

If nothing could be ruined if this tank starts to leak then I would wait until that happened. Could be another
two or three years or more and then it could happen tomorrow.