Sounds like good advice. Can you tell us what brand of water heater
you ended up buying? I am currently doing some research before replacing
my 9 year old water heater. I agree that from what I have learned so
far it seems that replacing the anode periodically is the best way to
make them last longer. However, I have seen some which makes this
maintenance harder by putting the anode in the pipes. Also, it seems
the magnesium rod is preferable to the aluminum type. I also will
try to get the plumber to install a ball valve (brass) drain to replace
whatever comes on a new one. I have found that the washers on the other
drain valves don't hold up over the years and I have had to screw a
brass cap over the drain to keep it from leaking.

Would be interested in what brand water heater you installed since it
apparently has an anode rod which can be replaced. Thanks.

(Derek Toeppen) wrote in message . com...
"Mark Jerde" wrote in message . ..

Opinions run the full spectrum. I work with a guy that believes
he should sell the house before the water heater needs replacement.
Richard Trethewey (the mechanical guy from this old house)
wrote in one of his books that the idea a heater heater should
only last 10 years is incorrect. He believes if you do three things
it will last 30 or more years. One, replace the anode every few years.
Two, flush it every 6 months to remove sediment. Three, change the cold
water dip tube (input tube) to one with a bend in it so it stirs the
sediment and reduces its build up.
The manual that came with my new heater suggested removing and
inspecting the anode every 3 years. And replace if it is more than
50% gone. Plus, flush the tank every 6 months.
The heater that came with my house lasted 12 years. The seconded
lasted 8. Go figure. I never replaced the anode on the second tank
because I could not find a plumbing store that new what an anode was.
I still have the old water heater and plan to check the anode before
I junk it. Bet it is completely gone. I did flush it once a year. Never
saw any noticable sediment.
Both heaters started with a slow leak. The first one I found within
a few days of when it started. The leak did not spread far. The second
one I think was leaking for a week or more. I noticed it when my stocking
foot got wet when I entered a room. Should have investigated that musty
smell when I first noticed it!
Its up to you. I am not sure I would replace one that is not leaking.
But my new one has a pan under it.