How to Replace a Tank Water Heater | Ask This Old House

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How to Replace a Tank Water Heater | Ask This Old House
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[@YTInnovativeSolution]

I would be honored to have Richards autograph, not his signature, on any appliance in my house. It's not silly at all. These guys are teachers to many and heroes to more than they know.

[@donnalarson3494]

I 5

[@nickaschenbecker9882]

I second this. Richard, Tom, Roger (who's since left the show) ...just about any of them, I'd be delighted if they autographed their work. lol Now, Kevin on the other hand! He's a snarky little so-n-so.

[@MrGoober1983]

He actually said hello to the water heater 😂

[@MrBababuwi]

Mrs. Bradford smiled back at him when he greeted her.

[@justinballard7242]

Well yeah it'll be making him hot water for years

[@thegamingchannel2373]

N u actually said hello to meeeeeee

[@russrockino-rr0864]

I bought mine at Sears, date of manufacture was 1998, I installed it in august of 2000, It is still going fine. No leaks and I have never had to replace any elements. The original warranty was for 9 years. Sears Kenmore with what they called a Roto-swirl feature. I am going to miss Sears.

[@chrisjimenez603]

Yep. Great Original American company.

[@dthorne4602]

Replace the sacrificial anode and it'll keep on going.

[@russrockino-rr0864]

Update 5/7/24, Rotoswirl water heater is still going!

[@nathanstephenson7917]

I just added this to my home list! I have a tank that is original to my house, built in 1993. It works just fine. I definitely have to replace it...I should work on it before it fails.

[@Maxid1]

9:05 Richard explains water heater heat pumps with this interpretive dance.

[@IAmNotAFunguy]

Thanks for the upload. My PBS channel had technical difficulties during this segment and I missed most of it.

[@pauldavis5578]

Thanks Richard!!! Changed out my first water heater in our house.

[@stclairstclair]

I'm a retired mechanic so doing my hot water heater was a snap, Until I turned on the water to bleed it and giant clog blocked all flow out of the main hot water line, When bleeding the house I got Chocolate brown water then silence......not a drop going anywhere... Ive back-flushed many clogged heater cores, And this same technique worked for my clogged house, If you seal a faucet at the aerator you can force the cold water line to back up into the hot line (after turning off the water heaters supply line) You then open a sink in the basement and allow the back flow out, then block that sink and allow the water to back flush up to the kitchen sink, going back and forth I was able to unclog a completely blocked main line, A plumber in an outdated old forum spoke of his technique, it saved me hundreds or more as I'm too old to want to take on every pipe in the house.

[@condor5635]

This is genius! At least in theory. I always get particles in the line when having to do hot water line work. Whenever my galvanized lines get air in them (like when changing heater or anode etc) I always remove aerator and flush out the line. Most of the time these rust particles that dislodge flow through fine and no issues. Sometimes they get stuck either in the valve at the fixture or in the fixture resulting in clog like you mention. This backflow technique I will have to try next time this happens. It’s strange how the introduction of air in the hot water line that is 50 yrs old for 20 minutes makes all that rust and particles dislodge in the first place. Great tip! Thanks. PS - I want Pex!

[@Scrapla1]

I remember as a kid our water heater started off stock and after my pops fixing it several times it looked like some kids science project or some homemade time machine but the thing lasted almost 20 years

[@simonriddick]

Mine is from '06 still works for now. I have a leak though on the shut off for the cold water so gotta fix that.

[@mr.bigbrownbass9089]

Am i the only person that thought of smashing out a piece of that concrete slab to fit the new heater in place..???

[@rgeo27]

why bother with hard labor? Cut and connect pipes and tubes and charge the customer for the extra work!!!!

[@picklerix6162]

I thought he was going to raise the water heater a couple inches with some pavers or bricks.

[@agm6095]

I think it would have been easier to smash the piece of concrete than re-route the vent.

[@Neanderthal75]

@@picklerix6162 - My immediate thought, raise the tank with something, the allowed clearance to the heater is 1 inch or more. There was more than an inch there next to the furnace.

[@robertrowland617]

Where are earthquake straps on gas water heater in basement.

[@joewrasman2841]

by the way great video no question when you solder pipes for a hot water tank is it safe to run the water about an hour so there's no bad that true

[@iovanniLR]

Hi good info. Question my water header looks like is leaking from the wat

[@plumbingninjas2207]

The first two numbers of the serial number usually indicates the year the water heater was manufactured. It would be exceptionally rare for a standard water heater to sit on the shelf for 3 years, anyway.

[@cardo1111]

As always Richard provides very useful info. I was under the impression after reading a Consumer Reports article, the quality of the anode rod was higher on the longer warranty units.

[@marcosmota1094]

Magnesium anodes are available.

[@XSpImmaLion]

Man... all these talks about heating, insulation and several other projects from Richard taught me a lot how much we don't have to work with, worry or spend on nice tropical countries... xD I mean, it does get cold where I live, but not enough for all the stuff people have to worry where it snows. No pipes cracking, no worries with thick insulation, no heated floors, it's a world of stuff that I don't know much about. The most I did in my small apartment was consider installing a hot/cold split AC, but since my current city is pretty cold in comparison to my hometown, but not cold enough that portable heaters won't do the job, I just gave up on it entirely.

[@Engineer9736]

I guess even in tropical countries you appreciate a hot shower :-) Those boilers are meant for tap / shower water, not for house heating. The insulation is to keep the water warm, which has a temperature way above even tropic temperatures, so still useful to insulate it.

[@bishopbrathwaitee1734]

My Rheem Rudd lasted 21 yrs. Just changed it. Never changed an anode, or flushed it. Was working OK albeit somewhat reduced performance, but working.

[@Rhaspun]

Did your faucet screens plug up with any sediment.

[@georgedavall9449]

Yeah buddy! Rheem da best!

[@ed5308]

I just replaced a six year old water heater. It lasted four years. Forget the warranty. They can make you prove to them why it failed. New water heater $ 780.00. They wanted $ 1700 to install it. Its a standard 40 gal propane water heater. Find a local contractor that will do it for $ 500 to $ 700 if you are lucky. Its a racket and they will try to take advantage of you unless you know the costs involved.

[@utube4greenfuture]

Installing a ReadyTemp would solve the problems of having to wait for hot water to travel from the water heater to distant sinks and showers. Draining a quart from your water heater each month would also help prevent sediment from building up in the bottom of the water heater. It's important to note that tankless water heaters have an issue with 'cold water sandwiching'. The also can add 5 to 10 seconds of waiting before hot water arrives at it's destination. Adding a Readytemp to a closed loop system has advantages to cut the water heating cost as well.

[@grumpycat4584]

Semper Fi

[@MrWags1000]

Can you do a video for expansion tank replacement???

[@thomasronning9034]

Love your show,thanks for all the Good info.question for you,and or, Your audience.i have a "heat rite" Water heater that looked really Old when I bought my crappy old House in 1992. My problem.. Have 60 amp fuse box, only two 15 amp fuse supplies to this old Heater. Can I get a new water Heater with elements this low? Sorry, know I didn't explain this Very well.

[@toantruong5095]

thank your video thank

[@warren3667]

Thanks for the helpful video. I got a 11 years old 75 gallon gas water heater, it's next to 2 new cars. When water heater starts to leak they just leak a little bit right? no need to worry about the 2 new cars? Also it's old so just wait until water isn't hot then replace it? thanks for the help

[@DarkRaptor99]

It can be a slow drip or a flood you never really know

[@GregSr]

Love my 55 gallon electric water heater. No gas supply pipe to deal with and no carbon monoxide with all that heat energy going up the exhaust. It is quick recovery using two 5500 watt elements. My water heater is 15 years old. No issues so far.

[@condor5635]

Guessing by the dates and video yours is the red heat pump style heater?

[@GregSr]

@@condor5635 No, mine is the traditional electric water heater using two 5500 watt heater elements. Most electric water heaters come with 4500 watt elements. Mine is called "quick recovery" due to the higher wattage elements. Not long after I posted my comments, that water heater failed by leaking internally and saturating the insulation.

[@jamesdiehl8690]

It's a "tankless job, but somebody has to do it! 😆 🤣

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello James how are you doing

[@paulkenny5052]

At 3:46, why not just put three bricks under the new hot water heater and raise the unit over the concrete platform on the right side?

[@catfishkid1251]

I have a water heater down in my basement and I had it for 20 years and it is fine

[@Engineer9736]

I guess Code Green Plumbing is willing to make an bid on it :D

[@workingshlub8861]

you must have decent water with good ph...i have worked in places where your lucky to get 6 years out of a tank...hard water etc...

[@electricalron]

hows that water heater? explode yet?

[@EWDAVID94]

yeah a 20 year old water heater is great....until it's not, when your tank blows we'll come suck up the water and dry everything out for you unless you like mold

[@jgroenveld1268]

In the house I used to rent, it had a tank that was installed 1955/56 and we had it replaced in 2008 when it began to leak. The plumber was amazed to see this relic and even found the original manual behind the tank.

[@tonybruno9897]

That water heater was manufactured in 06. Its determined by the serial number. First 2 #s is year, 3rd 4th numbers is the weeks.

[@henryjohnsawesomeytchannel7375]

Hey Rich, great tip about cleaning the copper pipes first before cutting them to the proper lengths. Nice job as always from This Old House "team plumbing" :-)

[@cambamthelowman8584]

Also open some faucets while filling the water heater

[@paintballer7171986]

Johnson City Tennessee!!

[@rockslide4802]

Great video but you did;t talk about the new gas "Smart Valve". Many are prone to early failure.

[@LightningCube]

Awesome

[@CBound]

I need to do some math calculations to see if it would make sense to upgrade my water heater, and AC system for that matter.... Very good info.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Do a heating/cooling load calculation for proper upgrade sizing.

[@nx8618]

Quality work except for loosening the gas line you’ll always worry now

[@iLikeC00kieDough]

Then leak check it

[@davidgray3294]

So many things that a gas fitter or plumber in Canada would not do - no licensed gas fitters in the US, anyone can do gas work

[@wallpello_1534]

@@davidgray3294 lol it's threaded pipe and it was just a change out, No resizing needed

[@waterheaterservices]

@@davidgray3294 Freedom

[@chris-p-Bacon836]

Should we have replaced the gas valve just in case we don’t have a wrench handy ? And test the exhaust?

[@rjwalker6677]

That 6 year expected life is very subjective. It could also last 35+ years, as testament to some of the postings here. If you have hard water it might only last 6 years, but softer water will last much longer.

[@Rick-tb4so]

3/4 fittings coming out the top of the tank. Is there a problem if you reduce it to 1/2" through out your basement ?

[@PROSDIY]

If your home piping is already 1/2" there's no issue to reduce at the tank. You'll just have less volume then if it was 3/4" feeding the tank and the home. All new home construction (in Canada anyway) is minimum 3/4" feed and main distribution/header, with 1/2" branches. That being said, most homes pre 1960 have 1/2" lines.

[@agm6095]

Looks fairly simple. Can "teflon" tape be used on the pipe threads instead of the "pipe dope"? Thanks your video.

[@PROSDIY]

Gas approved teflon tape can be used. It is most commonly color coded yellow.

[@miguellazohuerta]

Nice job.only a question the two little blue cap and white cap stay in the hole or I need to take out?

[@condor5635]

The plastic donuts on the tank where the anode rod and hot/cold go in? Leave them in the hole. Escutcheons - not really functionally doing anything but why take them out

[@gene8172]

Any disadvantage to using a flexible water supply hose/line instead of soldering copper supply lines?

[@stvargas150]

Knocking pipes if the copper pipes not secured flexible hose will move and move your copper pipes with it when a dishwasher water turn on. Dishwasher use hot water only

[@stevemlejnek7073]

I just changed the anode rod in my water heater for the second time. Changed it at 5 and now 10 years. Anode rod was about half gone each time. I'm hoping to keep getting another 5 years out of the heater each time I change the anode. Tank looks and works absolutely fine. Fingers crossed.

[@san379]

ive done that job..its a nice easy job.. in n out.. nothing different

[@jameygorman817]

san379 how long did it take you?

[@ronh9384]

Nice show. I would have had you sign it too! 😊 Just curious…. Did they require expansion then? Or was it mounted out of the view of the camera? Also… does anyone know if there is a manufacturer who makes a tank water heater with a stainless steel tank?

[@jimkwilecki3494]

Using Channel Locks to tighten pipes? Swiveling gas line? Gas is not turned off at thermostat.

[@condor5635]

What is he doing at 1:06? That is the thermostat and he is turning it off. Guess I am missing something

[@johnshell118]

When you were preparing to move the old water heater out you had to move the gas pipe out of the way. Were you not worried that you would break the seal on one or more of the threads on the pipe?

[@catfeline1530]

Yeah I was stunned he did that. I would replace that whole pipe to obviate possible gas leaks.

[@billsmith9249]

@@catfeline1530 he's been doing plumbing work longer than you guys have been alive (maybe)... so, even if he did break it, he would know and his leak test would have discovered it. But again, he's been around the block and has a treasure trove of experience!

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

​@@billsmith9249I'm a third generation heating contractor. That was a total hack maneuver by turning the gas pipe. He's a clown.

[@billsmith9249]

@@jeffreyjohn2037 Why do you feel the need to bash someone else? Especially to another stranger? Richard has been a master plumber for decades and does a lot of volunteer work (from what I've read) and generally is an overall nice guy. I would wager if he saw you do something questionable he wouldn't be bashing you on an internet forum. If you feel that strongly against what he did, write him a letter.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

@@billsmith9249 I'm a meticulous pipe fitter. I don't do shoddy work. There are many other people that have commented on the issue appertaining thereunto.

[@njwags95]

My gas heater has hot and cold inlets grounded to each other…is this necessary when I put in new?

[@kennethskirvin469]

I wouldn't use the warranty to assess the service life of the product.

[@23bobjr]

It's a good guideline though

[@jej3451]

Why do you have to replace the whole thing, can't you just replace the sacrificial anode rod?

[@darrylhammond3969]

no it's not. It depends on how many annodes and how thick the glass lining is.

[@FishFind3000]

jej3451 your supposed to but that's a regular thing. Nobody ever changes it so it's rusting the tank. Also it's most likely stuck or going to make more problems removing it.

[@851995STARGATE]

Its actually requires alot of effort to replace and usually requires alot of force to break the torque and get the anode out, especially where there isnt alot of clearance above the water heater. You'd have to replace the tank once it begins to leak through.

[@scopopulus]

me on friday night after a few beers 4:43

[@WillaHerrera]

Hey. Next time you say you're turning off the gas supply maybe show you actually doing that not turning off the thermostat. Just a safety thing.

[@WillaHerrera]

ike fun yes you are

[@cdyoung976]

Ha!😂

[@markamcampbell6340]

when you put the inlet and outlet water pipes, what do you do with the plastic plugs in the pipes?

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Leave them as they are. And don't apply heat to the copper fittings that thread onto the pipe nipples. Solder the fittings together off the unit, then use teflon tape and pipe dope to assemble.

[@rgeo27]

Sir, I have same model water heater [Bradfordwhite; Gold- 10yr]. Where do I find the ANOD in this unit? Only two pipes Hot & cold going into it. Nothing else visible on top.

[@condor5635]

More than likely the anode is part of the hot water line going out. Similar to the dip tube on the cold side

[@scottwebber652]

We remove the anode so the hot water doesn't smell. So what is the best thing to do ? As u say the opposite ?i don't use a water softener. Also wondering about my copper corrode.

[@mae2759]

I think they make aluminum anode rods for this exact purpose. You're going to need that anode rod!

[@walterspringer565]

I went for tankless when my house was built in 2006. A computer board failed in 2022. All the plumbers in my area wanted over $3500 to swap it out!

[@dancooper6002]

DIY

[@augustreil]

I don't care what anyone says, put that water heater on bricks so it's off the floor.

[@JcP3737]

Y

[@johnanders8861]

I agree fully. We had a water heater in our house that rusted out within a year because it was not on bricks and was sometimes on a wet surface. I bought the same water heater and put it in bricks and it has not failed yet. It is now been 7 years. Putting it on bricks also allows for easier maintenance work.

[@ward26102]

Agree! Better yet a plastic pan with a drain pipe to send any leaks to the floor drain.

[@shimes424]

Chicago code is tank on bricks in a pan, though that may be just for aluminum pans

[@tommytmt]

I always do that too.

[@serhyo6835]

I always put in signature on all my water heaters I instead lol

[@rockslide4802]

They may replace the tank with the 10 year policy but you'll still have to pay labor to install it.

[@linhchau9788]

And the labor cost is around around 500 to 800 to replace

[@oldtwinsna8347]

@@linhchau9788 Could be more if there are code changes since the last time it was put in, such as an expansion tank system.

[@MrAmagaska1976]

Richard you are a Hero to me. i wish i could be your apprentice.

[@empirestate8791]

A 10-year-old water heater is old? Mine is nearly 30 years old, and it functions just fine!

[@ericmcdaniel4029]

Never put pipe dope on union fittings where there is a chamfer

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Why?

[@ericmcdaniel4029]

@@jeffreyjohn2037 they are not made to take pipe dope. They won’t seat properly and can leak possibly.

[@jasonb8081]

Is it a must to use pipe dope that is strictly for gas? Or will regular plumbing nope be fine?

[@manbullmoose5045]

better to use for gas. Or use Blue Monster, can be used for everything pretty much.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

@@manbullmoose5045 Gasoila dope is a top brand

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

My water heater is original from 1990. Same anode rod, never replaced. Pressure relief valve tests fine and seals. Only had to replace the drain valve.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

You should change it out asap, before it starts to leak. Otherwise you're fooling yourself

[@bethwoodford6679]

I had to replace a hot water tank in my house it was 20 years old got it before it broke and flooding the house with is no fun that happen to my mom and dan when i was a kid

[@CrazyRoadblockisbae]

Beth Woodford OH NO NOT DAN!

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Is dan your mother's friend?

[@orcrist484]

7:35 - Isn't the exhaust venting up through the tank very hot? It comes right off the flames... I was under the impression that was why they vented it through the middle of the tank like they do.

[@What_Fred_Said]

6 year replacement? I’ve had the same tank for 24 years! Guess it’s time to replace it 👨‍🔧

[@stclairstclair]

That's awesome......But you do know you're sitting on a time bomb... Just did mine and I'm glad to have that monkey off my back.

[@ranger1244]

I'm all about DIY. Is there any law or codes in Massachusetts that says I can't replace the old water heater in my house? Also, Do I have to have a plumber reconnect the natural gas lines or at least have them inspected by someone from the town or someplace else? I live in Haverhill, Ma.

[@flat-earther]

Wait why are you are asking whether you can or can't do something in your own house? I thought if you owned something you can do anything with it; and if you have to pay taxes or get permission you are renting & don't own it because if you really owned something you wouldn't have to pay someone to own it.

[@ranger1244]

@@flat-earther it’s a gas water heater. There are building codes in place. With something like this I thought a licensed plumber might be needed. I am capable of doing the work but I’m not ready to void my home insurance if I don’t do it by code and I damage my home.

[@flat-earther]

@@ranger1244 Okay I get it you don't want to void your home insurance.

[@brianszanyi5538]

Rich can you please comment back do you ever use push on fittings or SharkBite more convenient just wondering what you think of them thank you

[@gavinnewscum]

The use of flexible water and gas connectors is required in earthquake country

[@benjaminwallace4626]

17 year old hot water heater in my basement Replaced anode rode 9 times Pilot light once Other wise Perfect

[@stnln2180]

Benjamin Wallace How often do you suppose to replace anode rode?....once every 3, 4 or 5 years?.... I know ofcours it depends on the water, but what is rule of thumb :) And what do you put on the thread to make it easier to unscrew next time?

[@benjaminwallace4626]

Teflon tape for threads Check anode rode every year and replace as needed

[@stnln2180]

Benjamin Wallace Thanks man. ...

[@benjaminwallace4626]

Stnl N2 Sure Anything that helps

[@hardkore360]

im having trouble getting the anode rod off, ive broken 2 breaker bars now using a cheater bar, any tips???

[@phenosgardenupdate512]

I am laughing so hard right now, but thank you so much. You've no idea how much this ten minutes has helped me...I'm the fixit guy, build computers, write software, motorcycles, cars etc but little home construction experience. Our water heater is failing and it has come upon me of course to figure out how to install one since we can only afford the purchase. (I know I know I used to work for RTS Roto Rooter in the warehouse and kept your guy's truck's stocked (Which comes in handy because i've nearly memorized the trim for each size unit lol). You couldn't have made it easier and thanks again for such a great video.

[@drowization]

so it's going to steal heat out of your home in the winter time ???? how's that efficient ????

[@checkfoldcallraise]

One of these days I want to see a random guy with the guitar standing in the background playing these tunes 😂

[@rict.4938]

how do u know what type or how many tankless water heaters you need.

[@boostedmaniac]

Ric Tenaglio Generally one. Just get the size you need to supply your whole house unless you have a very large one.

[@rict.4938]

Thanks

[@Notahacker420]

Count

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Hire a professional

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Richard is a certified expert in water heaters so his signature is worth thousands of dollars.

[@serdgeedgerunner]

How exactly you drain the water. It's not flowing in my case... Note: I have very small leak..

[@johnschmid2316]

serdgeedgerunner open a hot faucet in the house

[@markamcampbell6340]

what about the plastic inserts in the pipes?

[@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550]

I am replacing a 27 year water heater with a tankless. We used the water heater on weekends for 16 of those years.

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

How did it go?

[@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550]

@@aaronbaraiya3692 it went fine, just had to run a bigger (1” instead of 3/4”)waterline to the water heater, and extended the 3/4” gas line that was 1/2” originally, because the tankless takes more gas volume than than the old water heater did. We also had to put in a pressure tank and pump combo because we had gravity feed into the house from storage tank. I had to cut a bigger hole in the roof because the new pipe accommodates combustion air from outside instead of in the house. We have a metal roof, so the roof flange was flexible to match the roof contour of the metal and pitch of the roof. I got my carpentry certificate after high school, so I have a little more experience than most home owners, but it’s not too hard if you understand basic construction. I had to add a couple 2x4s to hang the tankless water heater on. We put in 5/8” type X Sheetrock for fire protection just in case, as it is code to have fire rated Sheetrock in that area.

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

@@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550 nice, did you have any trouble draining the old tank water heater?

[@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550]

@@aaronbaraiya3692 no, just hooked up a garden hose to the bottom and and loosened the lines the top to let air in. You can also pop the temp and pressure relief valve, but that might be a little wet until it drains below the valve. I am sure the water heater only lasted that long because we were only here on a weekends mostly for many years.

[@simonriddick]

6:43 you can do all that work but can't write neatly. Damnit lol :).

[@markallan9050]

Im wondering why he didnt test the gas connection he horsed out of the way to get the new tank in.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

That's because he's a hacker.

[@christopherscallio2539]

Shouldn't it be off the floor to keep the bottom dry?

[@shauntampa]

The new tanks sit about 5 “ off the floor. The bottom section is open for the burner assembly. You don’t need to set it on bricks

[@Jibberish18]

I don’t get it. He says it should last a lot longer because it’s a 10 year warranty water heater but he’s said in the past that 6 and 10 year water heaters are exactly the same exceptyou’re paying for additional warranty.

[@zuzilda]

you should have just added base to lift up the water heater instead of changing plumbing. It is required so bottom of the tank wont corrode from the concrete.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Although the bottom of the unit is galvanized

[@markamcampbell6340]

what no shutoff valves on the inlet and outlet?

[@PROSDIY]

They have a shutoff on the inlet. Some areas don't allow shutoffs on the outlet side on residential water heaters. This is because if both the inlet/outlet are closed it creates a closed system, which can be dangerous/damaging if the tank is on the heating cycle.

[@TheRealFOSFOR]

-All right Kevin, say hello to your new water heater. -Hello. xD I'm still laughing

[@elonmusk8667]

6:47 He writes like a little kid lol.

[@bg147]

Mine is from the 1980s... I better run out and replace it.

[@flat-earther]

Did you change it yet? If it works why bother

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

​@@flat-eartherbecause it's good to be proactive and replace before you have an issue.

[@legobuilder984]

My tank is 35.5 years old. Still running strong

[@markamcampbell6340]

are the plastic inserts water soluable?

[@condor5635]

No

[@benjaminwallace4626]

My water heater is 17 years old I change anode rod every 2 years and drain water heater 1 time every year My basement is bone dry so 0 rust on the tank I hope to have it last til it’s at least 25 years old

[@iLikeC00kieDough]

Changing anodes and flushing it will probably get you 25. Good job, most homeowners have no idea what any of that even is.

[@wholeNwon]

Mine is almost 35 and I have done none of that.

[@iLikeC00kieDough]

wholeNwon I hope you don’t have nothing valuable around it. You’re taking a huge risk letting it go that long

[@wholeNwon]

@@iLikeC00kieDough Nope, nothing. Would just leak into a drain. My parents' lasted close to 40 years as best I can remember before it leaked a little.

[@davidpetersen5313]

that flue pipe looks thin I thought it had to be a min of 26 guage pipe if you use single wall pipe

[@Notahacker420]

totally depends on your local codes

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

It's 26 gauge

[@myothercarisadelorean8957]

Just had that same new water heater put in my unit after the old one died.

[@localcrew]

Guy goes skydiving. Parachute won't work. Reserve chute won't work. He's falling towards Earth. He sees a guy rising up towards him at a high velocity. He screams over at the guy, "Hey! Do you know anything about parachutes?" And the guy answers back "No! Do you know anything about gas water heaters?"

[@TheClutch1550]

i'm not sure why this cracked me up, guess i didnt see it comin, thanks for the laugh

[@kingkelly9104]

Umm....ok

[@damiangrouse4564]

good one

[@theopiner402]

My water heater has been around for about 20+ years.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Good time to get a new one, before it starts to leak.

[@TonyyFlow]

Gotta love Richards chicken scratch

[@bb1040]

I am in the process of changing my old water heater in the basement...this is 2020 and it was installed in 1983,, the new one is exactly the same size, two different brands, but all the stuff matches, height , diameter , and pipe locations....I am 72 now, figured out how to get down the basement stair by my self. getting the old one up may take a little more figuring , but it will make it....Letting the old one drain all night, then will get back to work, another hour should do it ....

[@andrewenriquez3138]

You end up getting out the basement? Lol

[@wholeNwon]

Wish you were near me. I'd be happy to help out.

[@bb1040]

@@andrewenriquez3138 Yes a couple ropes tied to the back of my car and a come along and it came up .. the bottom was just about rusted out....dropped a line with a hook on it down the flu and hooked at the bottom for a solid connection.....set it out by the street and about 45 minutes later it was gone, off to the scrapyard...

[@jonphanspromotions]

Do we need an expansion tank??

[@scopopulus]

This might be the best day you ever have to change this water heater out... preach

[@albertaproud7855]

Lol! Everyone’s a plumber. Until they need one.

[@bbgarnettTotallyNotABot]

Wow 6 years, our water heater is from 1989 so 31-32 years old and it's still going fine.

[@animeshock2006]

Unless ur replacing components ur probably wasting a ton of energy/fuel suprised it hasnt leaked yet

[@bbgarnettTotallyNotABot]

@@animeshock2006 yeah no maintenance or replacing of components of any kind has been done to it.

[@dancooper6002]

@@animeshock2006 The cost of the energy is less than replacing it every 6 years.

[@johnbolden4390]

single wall vent ?

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Fine, 18" clearance from combustible materials