scale wrote:
I know this has been asked 1000 times and i researched it a bit but
couldnt come up with any real useful opinions.

Im in the market for a new 40gal water heater and am looking for
opinions on brands.....what is good and what is not so good. I dont
want to break the bank but i dont want flooded basement in 5 years
either

Also.....has anyone used the drip pans that are put under water heaters
to control drip? Are they worth it? Seems pointless but maybe im not
looking at it right. IF that sucker decides to go......it will overflow
that pan rendering it useless. IF installed properly the thing shouldnt
drip.

I could see if you had a slow leak....they would be worth it because
you could control the leak. Any thoughts?

Ill tell you i did find that it would appear that they dont make water
heaters like they used too. Most people i read about show failings
after 5 - 12 years with current water heaters. THe mongemery wards unit
i have in my basement is from 1978 and still working. I just want to
replace it before it goes...which cant be long at this point....shes
about 30 years old

I am just looking and researching before i run to sears with my tail
between my legs and buy junk (if kenmore is a bad brand.....i dont
know...heh...thats my question)

I would like to spend 250 - 400. I plan to install it myself.

I would rather not get the extended service junk because it just doesnt
seem worth it on a unit such as a water heater (they fail....thats what
they do). IF you buy quality.....your unit should last up to or beyond
the warranty....correct?

ANy replies are appreciated

Thanks


If you old water '78 heater is still working and
not leaking, your water can't be corrosive. If
your water is not corrosive, by the bottom quality
or perhaps a medium quality. It will likely last
15-20 years. The difference between the medium
quality and high quality is the cost of the
guarantee. So, $250-$300 for a heater sounds good.

The drip pan is code in some places, all it does
it contain some water when the heater starts to
rust out. So if you don't watch stuff carefully,
buy one and use it. If you watch stuff you will
start seeing rusty water spots when it starts to
go. And no, they don't suddenly burst and spew
water all over; possible "maybe" but highly
unlikely.

I assume you are talking about an electric water
heater. If a gas water heater, I would not get
the top efficiency model with a draft inductor
fan. It might save money, but it is far more
complicated and any money you save on gas is
likely to be spent in repairs and maintenance.

Get new hookup pipes if yours uses the flexible
(can be bent) copper hookup tubes.
Good luck.