Water Tanks...
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Water Heater Life?
I own a HVAC company ...and we replace alot of hot water heaters. how long has your tank lasted...what was the brand. The best tanks ive seen where made in the 40's...bronze tanks. When i replace one its usually because the bolts that hold in the elements have rusted/corroded.
Last edited by Mud_Hunter; Oct 3, 2004 at 10:53 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Stewart, MN
Dad had a water heater that was put in before WW 2 when my great grandpa built the house and it worked fine when we took it out when we remodeled the basement. I am a HVAC service tech (to support my farming addiction 
) and the oldest one I have replaced is a 20 years old Rheem the newest one was a 2 year old Rheem (town had bad water)
) and the oldest one I have replaced is a 20 years old Rheem the newest one was a 2 year old Rheem (town had bad water)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 2
From: CA Central Coast
Warning! Possible thread hijack....
So, as the owner of a HVAC company, whaddya think of the tankless water heaters? I used them when travelling in Asia and they worked well, but of course the ambient temp hovered around/above 75 deg Farenheit.
i ask because our water heater is almost 20 years old, we have hard water, and I keep reading the average life of a water heater is 13 years.
Erik
So, as the owner of a HVAC company, whaddya think of the tankless water heaters? I used them when travelling in Asia and they worked well, but of course the ambient temp hovered around/above 75 deg Farenheit.
i ask because our water heater is almost 20 years old, we have hard water, and I keep reading the average life of a water heater is 13 years.
Erik
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Danville, Pa
I have a Nationaline 40gal, dual 3500w heater made in 2/72. This is a glass lined heater. My water is spring fed shallow well (less than 12' down). However, before I moved in 3 mo. ago, This house was only used during the summer months as it was a cottage. I had checked the rods and they are in very good shape.
My parents also had a National (i think) that lasted 17 Years before it developed a terminal leak. But even though they have a water softener that helps, Their water is high in Iron and Sulfur.
My parents also had a National (i think) that lasted 17 Years before it developed a terminal leak. But even though they have a water softener that helps, Their water is high in Iron and Sulfur.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Central WA USA
I have a national, and have no idea how old it is. Where are the serial number/mfg dates on them? I'm curious since I just bought the house.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: fremont ohio
We have very very hard water too, it is softened though. I dont remember the brand, but ours was new when the house was built and we replaced it after only about 6 years. Our newer one has been goin for almost 10 years now. Gas heated is the way to go though.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Danville, Pa
Originally Posted by ColtM4
I have a national, and have no idea how old it is. Where are the serial number/mfg dates on them? I'm curious since I just bought the house.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by e1p1
Warning! Possible thread hijack....
So, as the owner of a HVAC company, whaddya think of the tankless water heaters?
So, as the owner of a HVAC company, whaddya think of the tankless water heaters?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
The trick to making a hot water tank last "DRAIN IT" ! Every year drain the sediment from the bottom of the tank. With a gas water heater sediment will eat at the bottom of the tank and will also rob energy & space!!! With electric tanks the sediment will also build up till it shorts out your bottom element... leaving you with luke warm water. This is by far the advantage of the tankless!!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by LilDuke
Are they electric or gas(lp or ng). What is their eff. % Can they be run off of bottled gas? -Dave
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 2
From: CA Central Coast
Thanks MudHunter, for the info and the link. We'll be looking into it, also because we are on propane here. But at the price you mentioned, I may have to figure out how to do it myself, if the present heater gives up anytime soon before I can save up the dinero.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
spikedog
General NON-Automotive Conversation
10
Jan 6, 2006 11:41 AM