My hot water heater is a 21 year old Rheem. It still works and does
not leak. I am planning on replacing it due to the age. I am
planning on having an AO Smith installed.

Today, the technician who gave me an estmate hooked up some type of
gauge to one of the garden hose faucets, and he told me that the
pressure he measured was 115 PSI. My townhouse does not have a PRV
valve. He said that if my pressure was over 125 I would be required to
have a PRV and expansion tank installed in order for the heater to be
replaced. He says that my pressure is high, and if I don't want a PRV
and expansion tank installed, I still have to sign something
indicating I am aware of the high pressure and that it is possible the
T&P valve could drip as a result of the high pressure.

He claims the newer tanks are insulated with foam and the insulation
is tighter which means the water heater tank itself can't expand as
much as older tanks could. (not sure I'm buying that)

QUESTION: If this house is 21 years old, and my old heater is 21
years old, and there hasn't been a problem as a result of the higher
than normal pressure, is it really worth paying another $400 to have
the PRV and expansion tank installed with the new heater? (My mom
lives in same development and does not have a PRV either. A few
other townhouses in my development that I have seen don't have one
either. I believe one of my neighbors does have one though.)

Thanks,

Jay