On Sun, 13 Feb 2005 02:05:04 GMT, "George E. Cawthon"
wrote:
TURTLE wrote:
"Paul" wrote in message
...
Electric water heater is an A.O. Smith 40 gallon "low-boy" (short and fat)
about 10 years old. It's in a Florida condo unit, and from what I see, no
dielectric unions on the copper water lines to and from the heater. I see a
moderate amount of corrosion where the copper fittings connect to the heater.
No leaks. I don't see any rust or particles in the water at the taps. I
think it's a little slow to get hot water out, but not that unreasonable.
Since this is a winter vacation place and I won't be there 24/7 I'm a little
nervous about the tank letting loose when I'm not there, although it is on a
first floor slab and a drain pan is installed...
If I do replace it, dielectric unions are supposed to be used, correct?
Home Depot's selection all seem to have only a 6 year warranty which seems to
be on the low end. Consumer Reports said that brand doesn't matter, that the
warranty does, i.e., more years = heavier duty tank linings, insulation, etc.
Your input appreciated !
Thanks.
-- Paul
This is Turtle.
I could never really figure out when I was suppose to change something till it
broke and then I knew for sure. Now till all the manufactor start stating in
writting that they should change their stuff out in X number of years. i'm going
to just run my stuff till it breaks and then buy me a new one. Now there is
things that you can't do without but hot water is one you can do without it for
a while.
Now I will say this. the tank you have now [ 10 years old ] is probley in better
condition than any new one you would buy today. Why trade off a good piece of
equipment to install the newer piece of trash they have today.
TURTLE
Yes, there is no reason to replace it. The OP should turn
the supply valve (at the tank) off and turn the electricity
off to the tank if he is going to be gone for days (mainly
for peace of mind). Tanks don't suddenly burst and blow
water all over, they start leaking, so just check it
periodically for leaks. If you want to worry about
something worry about a washer hose bursting.
I don't know aobut the above statement.
Prerhaps electric water heaters are less likely to burst but I've had
gas water heaters really let go with a gusher.
One blew out thru its flu and a conical shower occured as the water
geysered up to the draft diverter and then showered a circle of water
all over the basement. It was rather impressive, especially when I was
standing in the middle of the shower trying to reach the shutoff walve
to the tank....
A "Turtle" has said, they don't make water heaters like they used to.
I've replaced water heaters made prior to 1970 mainly for reasons of
efficiency as sediment built up in them.
One of my places had a water heater dating back to 1950 that I
replaced in 1995. The A.O. Smith replacement only lasted 7 years
before leaking.
It seems that the old one were made of heavier gauge steel.
Stuff today seems to be designed mainly via computer analysis using
just enough material to do the job.
Overall like span is a secondary consideration.
I saw the same analogy in the maritime world.
Older ships used very thick hull plating. Even after 30 years of
wastage, the plating was often still sound.
Modern ships use high tensile strength steel - thick enough to do the
job but not thick enough to survice years of wasting or corrosion.
Doug
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