"Mys Terry" wrote in message
news
On Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:26:55 GMT, "Dr. Hardcrab"

wrote:


"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
news:sdmJf.4$PL2.0@trndny03...

"Dr. Hardcrab" wrote in message
Different areas mean different prices, but we will install a new tank
(and haul away the old one) for $900. HOWEVER! That means an above
ground
tank (or one in a basement).

Replacing tanks on a calendar basis seems like overkill to me. There
are
methods of testing tanks with ultrasound with no disruption of anything.
I can see after say, 25 years, you need a checkup every 3 or 5 years to
assure no corrosion.

The big problem now is insurance companies asking that the tanks be
tested
before someone purchases a house that has a tank. We check for water and
that's about it. There ARE companies out there that will pressure check
them, but I understand it's not cheap.

I say if you keep the tank full in the off season and check it for water
periodically, you won't have a problem. I agree that there is no set life
expectancy of a tank.


In my situation, the tank is from around 1950. The boiler also supplies
domestic
HW, so there really is no "off season". The tank has always been on an
automatic delivery schedule as far as I know. I'm thinking that 56 years
is just
plain TOO OLD. The damage that will be caused to the house and contents if
the
tank fails is enormous compared to the cost of a new tank.

Understandable. If anything, a new tank will give you "peace of mind". Since
you are not having any problems with it now, I would wait for warmer weather
When copanies are as busy) and get quotes from several different companies.
Just ask them to tell you how much replacement and disposal is.