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    frazwood's Avatar
    frazwood Posts: 129, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 9, 2009, 08:07 AM
    Water Heater: When to replace?
    I have a general question: How do you know when it is the appropriate time to replace your hot water heater?

    My home was built in 1995 and it still has the original hot water heater.

    For the last 6-12 months, we have been experiencing a lack of hot water in the morning, especially when we haven't used a bunch of hot water the night before.

    I'm curious as to what you all think is going on and whether we should be replacing it.

    I did recently flush out the hot water heater, as has been suggested here previously. That seems to have helped somewhat, though not completely.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Mar 9, 2009, 08:18 AM
    Electric or gas water heater? If electric have you checked the lower element? They say the average life of a water heater is about 8 years. However, in my home I'm still using the same counter top 30 gallon water heater that came with my house 54 years ago. Of course I've always flushed out the heater every month. Hope this helps, Tom
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Mar 9, 2009, 08:19 AM

    Your heater is 14 years old. That's a good age for heater.

    I would recommend to replace it as a preventive measure rather then wait until it breaks down on me. If you wait and emergency replacement is needed than you usually end up paying more for the service.
    frazwood's Avatar
    frazwood Posts: 129, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
    		  
    #4

    Mar 9, 2009, 09:40 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by speedball1 View Post
    Electric or gas water heater? If electric have you checked the lower element? They say the average life of a water heater is about 8 years. However, in my home I'm still using the same counter top 30 gallon water heater that came with my house 54 years ago. Of course I've always flushed out the heater every month. Hope this helps, Tom
    It's a gas water heater. I am planning on flushing it every two weeks for awhile.
    frazwood's Avatar
    frazwood Posts: 129, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
    		  
    #5

    Mar 9, 2009, 09:42 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Milo Dolezal View Post
    Your heater is 14 years old. That's a good age for heater.

    I would recommend to replace it as a preventive measure rather then wait until it breaks down on me. If you wait and emergency replacement is needed than you usually end up paying more for the service.
    I am not worried about the extra cost from an 'emergency replacement' as I am planning on installing the new water heater myself. I am hoping that it'll last until summer, though, when I have more time and more money.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #6

    Mar 9, 2009, 09:57 AM

    Sure, since you are handy yourself than don't worry about it. It will probably last until summer.

    Drop by this Forum in you need any help with the installation...
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #7

    Mar 9, 2009, 09:59 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by speedball1 View Post
    Electric or gas water heater? If electric have you checked the lower element? They say the average life of a water heater is about 8 years. However, in my home I'm still using the same counter top 30 gallon water heater that came with my house 54 years ago. Of course I've always flushed out the heater every month. Hope this helps, Tom
    Tom, that's the new record ! 54 years ! Wow ! You should inform the original manufacturer about this. You may get free replacement unit !
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