Hot water heater question. What and when to buy?

Question

I need some advice from professionals please. We have an electric hot water heater that is 17 years old. It is working fine - but I wonder if it would be better to replace it now before it goes out. My first question would be if I should do this? What are the chances at this age that something is likely to go wrong at any time? My second question is whether to go with a tankless or not? What would you recommend? ( Gas is not an option since our house is all electric.)

Answer 1

If it isn't broken, why fix it?  17 years is impressive for a water heater.  I plan on getting an on-demand tankless water heater when I next need  a new one.  It makes sense to just heat the water you are using at the time instead of keeping a large tank constantly heated.

Answer 2

would be recommended to replace. after 17 years the risk of leak is greatly increased and the amount of safety will be minimal. if you have the money i would recommend a mains feed pressurised cylinder. there is no tank and the water is of a far better pressure.

Answer 3

Wow,  I'm not a professional,  but I have had two hot water tanks replaced and if you have gotten 17 years from yours you are one lucky person!!   Sure you should look into replacing it right away.  The Tank less water heaters are a great option if you can find an electric one.  The cost will be higher up front,  but from everything I have heard they save you in the long run and they last longer than a traditional tank.  They also have longer warranties as well.  I wanted to get one myself (I do have gas) but our tank went bad unexpectedly and I hadn't saved enough money for the installation which in my case would be extensive since the gas and water lines would need to be changed to accommodate a tank less system.  So we bought a traditional tank from Lowes and had it installed next day with no problems.   I have found that Lowes is great for just about EVERYTHING we have needed for our home from exterior doors, appliances,  to our hot water tank!    You will also find that a new hot water tank will be more efficient and will use less electric and water,  lowering your utility costs.

Answer 4

You have enough good answers to make up your mind.

It is weighing cost of replacing and cost of damage. What you did not mention is how much and for what the hot water is used  and how and where the tank is placed.

Look also into the possibility to combine a solar heater with a tank-less heater for the different places where you use the hot water. I prefer the tank-less for the kitchen, especially if you use the hot water for cooking and so on. Having water in a tank for a long time before I use it for my coffee does not feel well. For the use of hot water for showers and washing machine and other hot water supplies  you can make a decision,  depending on the amount of sun you get in your area, if it is worth to go in solar water heating, [a system  you even can make yourself and  where possibly you can make use of the old tank]. It is important to find out from which material the tank is made. If it is a fiberglass tank, you probably can use that tank for a lot more years and only need to inspect the connections. I have a solar heater with a fiberglass tank that is now 25 years in use, that  is placed outside in a harsh environment with lots of sun, wind and rain and salty air without any problem.

Answer 5

Well if its not leaking and you have no heat problems leave it alone. However if its leaking and or you have heat problems I would install a new one. Another factor is that new water heaters save a lot more energy. you could save quite a bit on your energy bills. If you do buy a new one, Buy a AO SMITH or STATE water heater. They are a more top of the line heater. also if you use a plumber check his warranty. Make sure you get a full parts and labor warranty. I offer a full 6 year parts and labor warranty. Most only warranty the parts so if you need to replace a part you still have to pay for the labor which as we all know is the most expensive part.

Answer 6

replace it....i have been useing tankless water heaters in my houses for yrs......love them....cost about 2 1/2 times what a eletric does but i love the idea that when not called for not in use.....i have 3 1/3 baths in my house and 3 teenagers and never run out of hot water.....can fill the 60 gal jacuzzi and not loose HW.....runs on lp......quite....many of the houses i build request them also.....

lic. gen. contractor