I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

On May 3, 9:36?am, beverly wrote:
I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

gas or electric? its also very regional.

around here 8 years is doing well.

16 wouldnt happen.

they are realtively cheap dependable appliances.

say 500 bucks installed, last 10 years 50 bucks a year less than one
nice candy bar weekly.

all new tanks are much more energy efficent, so buying new is a good $
saver

On May 3, 7:06 am, " wrote:
On May 3, 9:36?am, beverly wrote:

I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

gas or electric? its also very regional.

around here 8 years is doing well.

16 wouldnt happen.

they are realtively cheap dependable appliances.

say 500 bucks installed, last 10 years 50 bucks a year less than one
nice candy bar weekly.

all new tanks are much more energy efficent, so buying new is a good $
saver

Not sure of the exact age, but I replaced my electric one around 20
years ago. It is still going. That reminds me, it is long overdue to
be drained and cleaned.

Harry K

"beverly" wrote in message
ups.com...
I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true


No.

"beverly" wrote in message
ups.com...
I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true


Figure I always hear is 12 years.
But it depends on water quality, construction, maintenance, use, and dumb
luck. Normal is 5 years to 25 years.
I have one that is 24 years old. Works fine, but I am going to replace
because it is full of crud. Well, some day.

"beverly" wrote in message
ups.com...
I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

Mine is 22 years old (electric) and still operating fine; I've replaced one
thermostat and one element in that time.

A neighbor whose WH was the same make and age did a 'precautionary'
replacement last year. I had the plumber hacksaw open his old one and it
still looked OK inside, so I'm letting mine go until something happens. It
is installed in the garage, has an overflow pan and I always turn off the
water if I'm going out of town so I figure the risk of damage from a leak is
pretty small.

YMMV.

On 3 May 2007 07:13:37 -0700, Harry K wrote:

On May 3, 7:06 am, " wrote:
On May 3, 9:36?am, beverly wrote:

I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

gas or electric? its also very regional.

around here 8 years is doing well.

16 wouldnt happen.

they are realtively cheap dependable appliances.

say 500 bucks installed, last 10 years 50 bucks a year less than one
nice candy bar weekly.

all new tanks are much more energy efficent, so buying new is a good $
saver

Not sure of the exact age, but I replaced my electric one around 20
years ago. It is still going. That reminds me, it is long overdue to
be drained and cleaned.

People here say that if you don't do that frequently, when you do do
it, the crud will clog the valve and you'll never get it closed again.
I have no idea.

Harry K

On May 3, 10:24 am, "Travis Jordan" wrote:
"beverly" wrote in message

ups.com...

I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

Mine is 22 years old (electric) and still operating fine; I've replaced one
thermostat and one element in that time.

A neighbor whose WH was the same make and age did a 'precautionary'
replacement last year. I had the plumber hacksaw open his old one and it
still looked OK inside, so I'm letting mine go until something happens. It
is installed in the garage, has an overflow pan and I always turn off the
water if I'm going out of town so I figure the risk of damage from a leak is
pretty small.

YMMV.

Also, there is a big difference in typical lifespan for an electric vs
gas. Electric, due to the way it's heated, lasts a lot longer, so 20+
years is not unusual for an electric. Somewhere around 13 I'd say is
more typical of gas. But it varies widely, much of it do to what's in
the water. Experience from some neighbors can be one rough guide.

On May 3, 6:56�pm, wrote:
On May 3, 10:24 am, "Travis Jordan" wrote:





"beverly" wrote in message

oups.com...

I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

Mine is 22 years old (electric) and still operating fine; I've replaced one
thermostat and one element in that time.

A neighbor whose WH was the same make and age did a 'precautionary'
replacement last year. *I had the plumber hacksaw open his old one and it
still looked OK inside, so I'm letting mine go until something happens. *It
is installed in the garage, has an overflow pan and I always turn off the
water if I'm going out of town so I figure the risk of damage from a leak is
pretty small.

YMMV.

Also, there is a big difference in typical lifespan for an electric vs
gas. *Electric, due to the way it's heated, lasts a lot longer, so 20+
years is not unusual for an electric. * Somewhere around 13 I'd say is
more typical of gas. *But it varies widely, much of it do to what's in
the water. *Experience from some neighbors can be one rough guide.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

with a gas tank thermal shock if its emptied completely, that is all
hot water replaced with cold can lead to earlier tank failure.

expansion and contraction stresses the glass liner

wrote:
On May 3, 6:56�pm, wrote:

On May 3, 10:24 am, "Travis Jordan" wrote:






"beverly" wrote in message

groups.com...

I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

Mine is 22 years old (electric) and still operating fine; I've replaced one
thermostat and one element in that time.

A neighbor whose WH was the same make and age did a 'precautionary'
replacement last year. �I had the plumber hacksaw open his old one and it
still looked OK inside, so I'm letting mine go until something happens. �It
is installed in the garage, has an overflow pan and I always turn off the
water if I'm going out of town so I figure the risk of damage from a leak is
pretty small.

YMMV.

Also, there is a big difference in typical lifespan for an electric vs
gas. �Electric, due to the way it's heated, lasts a lot longer, so 20+
years is not unusual for an electric. � Somewhere around 13 I'd say is
more typical of gas. �But it varies widely, much of it do to what's in
the water. �Experience from some neighbors can be one rough guide.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


with a gas tank thermal shock if its emptied completely, that is all
hot water replaced with cold can lead to earlier tank failure.

expansion and contraction stresses the glass liner


someone posted this link earlier

http://waterheaterrescue.com/

yes it is a commercial page but it seems to have some good common sense
advice in there. highlights:

1) check your anode. Replacing an anode that still has metal left but
is nearing the end of its service life can help prolong the life of a
water heater by keeping the tank from corroding.

2) regular flushing does help prevent sediment buildup. I'd do it every
year, personally.

3) the stock drain valves do suck. I picked up the parts to duplicate
their ball valve setup at my local big box store for about $15. Just
trying to work up the gumption to try to get the old plastic ones out of
the two tanks downstairs.

I would add, do NOT use insulation around a water heater no matter how
tempting. I have two tanks in my basement, both about 25 years old.
The gas one looks fine. The solar one had an extra wrap of insulation
around it, and apparently that allowed condensation to form. It needs
to be replaced, because it looks like it's about to collapse at any
minute. (this weekend's project, assuming I can get out of working over
the weekend, is to replumb this tank so that when it fails I can throw a
few valves and bypass it until I can replace it.)

In your particular case I would simply shut the water off, try to pull
the anode, and see what there is to see. If it isn't completely eaten
away and the outside of the tank looks good, I would merely replace the
anode and consider it good for another 5-6 years or so. If it is all
the way down to the wire, then it's iffy - you don't know how long it's
been operating essentially without corrosion protection.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

On May 3, 10:09�pm, Nate Nagel wrote:
wrote:
On May 3, 6:56?pm, wrote:

On May 3, 10:24 am, "Travis Jordan" wrote:

"beverly" wrote in message

groups.com...

I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

Mine is 22 years old (electric) and still operating fine; I've replaced one
thermostat and one element in that time.

A neighbor whose WH was the same make and age did a 'precautionary'
replacement last year. ?I had the plumber hacksaw open his old one and it
still looked OK inside, so I'm letting mine go until something happens.. ?It
is installed in the garage, has an overflow pan and I always turn off the
water if I'm going out of town so I figure the risk of damage from a leak is
pretty small.

YMMV.

Also, there is a big difference in typical lifespan for an electric vs
gas. ?Electric, due to the way it's heated, lasts a lot longer, so 20+
years is not unusual for an electric. ? Somewhere around 13 I'd say is
more typical of gas. ?But it varies widely, much of it do to what's in
the water. ?Experience from some neighbors can be one rough guide.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

with a gas tank thermal shock if its emptied completely, that is all
hot water replaced with cold can lead to earlier tank failure.

expansion and contraction stresses the glass liner

someone posted this link earlier

http://waterheaterrescue.com/

yes it is a commercial page but it seems to have some good common sense
advice in there. *highlights:

1) check your anode. *Replacing an anode that still has metal left but
is nearing the end of its service life can help prolong the life of a
water heater by keeping the tank from corroding.

2) regular flushing does help prevent sediment buildup. *I'd do it every
year, personally.

3) the stock drain valves do suck. *I picked up the parts to duplicate
their ball valve setup at my local big box store for about $15. *Just
trying to work up the gumption to try to get the old plastic ones out of
the two tanks downstairs.

I would add, do NOT use insulation around a water heater no matter how
tempting. *I have two tanks in my basement, both about 25 years old.
The gas one looks fine. *The solar one had an extra wrap of insulation
around it, and apparently that allowed condensation to form. *It needs
to be replaced, because it looks like it's about to collapse at any
minute. *(this weekend's project, assuming I can get out of working over
the weekend, is to replumb this tank so that when it fails I can throw a
few valves and bypass it until I can replace it.)

In your particular case I would simply shut the water off, try to pull
the anode, and see what there is to see. *If it isn't completely eaten
away and the outside of the tank looks good, I would merely replace the
anode and consider it good for another 5-6 years or so. *If it is all
the way down to the wire, then it's iffy - you don't know how long it's
been operating essentially without corrosion protection.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

be prepared to replace the old tank instantly the anode may not come
lose easily or tank may leak on reinstallation.

disturbing a old tank is usually a bad idea.

plus tyhe drain valve may fail..... espically those plastic ones.

metal ones dont allow full flow of debris, then the debris stick at
the washer and the valve leaks.......

start your do good job in the early morning after pricing new tanks
and be prepared for anything.

you are kicking the hornets nest then saying HI sticking your nose in
the door..............

wrote:
On May 3, 10:09�pm, Nate Nagel wrote:

wrote:

On May 3, 6:56?pm, wrote:

On May 3, 10:24 am, "Travis Jordan" wrote:

"beverly" wrote in message

legroups.com...

I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true

Mine is 22 years old (electric) and still operating fine; I've replaced one
thermostat and one element in that time.

A neighbor whose WH was the same make and age did a 'precautionary'
replacement last year. ?I had the plumber hacksaw open his old one and it
still looked OK inside, so I'm letting mine go until something happens. ?It
is installed in the garage, has an overflow pan and I always turn off the
water if I'm going out of town so I figure the risk of damage from a leak is
pretty small.

YMMV.

Also, there is a big difference in typical lifespan for an electric vs
gas. ?Electric, due to the way it's heated, lasts a lot longer, so 20+
years is not unusual for an electric. ? Somewhere around 13 I'd say is
more typical of gas. ?But it varies widely, much of it do to what's in
the water. ?Experience from some neighbors can be one rough guide.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

with a gas tank thermal shock if its emptied completely, that is all
hot water replaced with cold can lead to earlier tank failure.

expansion and contraction stresses the glass liner

someone posted this link earlier

http://waterheaterrescue.com/

yes it is a commercial page but it seems to have some good common sense
advice in there. �highlights:

1) check your anode. �Replacing an anode that still has metal left but
is nearing the end of its service life can help prolong the life of a
water heater by keeping the tank from corroding.

2) regular flushing does help prevent sediment buildup. �I'd do it every
year, personally.

3) the stock drain valves do suck. �I picked up the parts to duplicate
their ball valve setup at my local big box store for about $15. �Just
trying to work up the gumption to try to get the old plastic ones out of
the two tanks downstairs.

I would add, do NOT use insulation around a water heater no matter how
tempting. �I have two tanks in my basement, both about 25 years old.
The gas one looks fine. �The solar one had an extra wrap of insulation
around it, and apparently that allowed condensation to form. �It needs
to be replaced, because it looks like it's about to collapse at any
minute. �(this weekend's project, assuming I can get out of working over
the weekend, is to replumb this tank so that when it fails I can throw a
few valves and bypass it until I can replace it.)

In your particular case I would simply shut the water off, try to pull
the anode, and see what there is to see. �If it isn't completely eaten
away and the outside of the tank looks good, I would merely replace the
anode and consider it good for another 5-6 years or so. �If it is all
the way down to the wire, then it's iffy - you don't know how long it's
been operating essentially without corrosion protection.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


be prepared to replace the old tank instantly the anode may not come
lose easily or tank may leak on reinstallation.

disturbing a old tank is usually a bad idea.

plus tyhe drain valve may fail..... espically those plastic ones.

metal ones dont allow full flow of debris, then the debris stick at
the washer and the valve leaks.......

start your do good job in the early morning after pricing new tanks
and be prepared for anything.

you are kicking the hornets nest then saying HI sticking your nose in
the door..............


I agree however I have no choice in the matter in my situation. I know
the solar tank is a lost cause, I will try to fix up the gas one but
with an eye toward replacing it if everything goes pear shaped. I can't
flush it at all now as the handle stripped on the old drain valve so I
have nothing to lose at this point. If I can't get the anode out, or if
I can't get the drain valve out, I will replace it. I won't touch that
one until I have the $$ ready.

I am going to plumb in a bypass to the solar one next chance I get and
"run it til it dies." When it pukes (not if, but when) I will just
throw the bypass valves and drain it.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

On 3 May 2007 06:36:40 -0700, beverly wrote:

I heard the hot water tank life span is about 16 years is that true


That's about right, maybe 10 to 20 years. They can last longer if...
Temperature is kept lower.
Tank is flushed periodically.
Water is naturally soft.