Hot water heater (1 Viewer)

[Mitchell0618]

Need to replace mine, but think I can downsize.3 adults live in the house and there are no bathtubs, only showers.What size would be acceptable?

 

[17seconds]

40 or 50

 

[Birdie048]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did! Never have to worry about it. Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200Tankless system - $2400Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.No issue with tank size here!

 

[El Floppo]

.

 

[jamny]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did! Never have to worry about it. Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200Tankless system - $2400Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.No issue with tank size here!

Looking into this. With only me and my wife, there should be no problem with hot water running out,.

 

[3C's]

This one will save you a lot on the monthly bill (some are saving $40/month). That said, it seems some are having issues with heat pump failure, and it's a little noisy so if the water heater is in the living area it may not be the best choice. And you need a drain to drain off the condensation. Current price is way lower than normal.http://www.lowes.com/pd_79425-83-GEH50DNSRSA_0__?productId=3127075&Ntt=water+heaters

 

[gianmarco]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did! Never have to worry about it. Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200Tankless system - $2400Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.No issue with tank size here!

So should pay for itself in 8 years? And that's if you're saving that every month of the year. Not sure it's worth it unless absolutely positive you're staying in your house for a very long time.

 

[Random]

Gas or Electric?

 

[NCCommish]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did! Never have to worry about it. Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200Tankless system - $2400Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.No issue with tank size here!

So should pay for itself in 8 years? And that's if you're saving that every month of the year. Not sure it's worth it unless absolutely positive you're staying in your house for a very long time.

Well actually he was going to have to spend at least 1200 to get his old water heater replaced. So really if you look at the difference in price as what you need to cover it pays for the difference in slightly less than 3 years.

 

[FlapJacks]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did! Never have to worry about it. Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200Tankless system - $2400Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.No issue with tank size here!

So should pay for itself in 8 years? And that's if you're saving that every month of the year. Not sure it's worth it unless absolutely positive you're staying in your house for a very long time.

I would think it would add to the resale value, as well as providing the convenience of never running out of hot water.You should also see if you can get a "green" tax credit (probably not, but worth a quick look)

 

[sho nuff]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did! Never have to worry about it. Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200Tankless system - $2400Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.No issue with tank size here!

Looking into this. With only me and my wife, there should be no problem with hot water running out,.

Get the quotes obviously.We considered it when ours went out this summer.But the cost was far more than what Birdie paid because of where our water heater is and the new ventwork and pipework that would have had to be done to put in tankless.Ours still cost more going conventional as we had to add a purifier/softener as our water here is crap and what caused our previous water heater to fill with sediment and scale.

 

[SteevieG]

Why do you need to heat hot water?

 

[gianmarco]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did! Never have to worry about it. Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200Tankless system - $2400Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.No issue with tank size here!

So should pay for itself in 8 years? And that's if you're saving that every month of the year. Not sure it's worth it unless absolutely positive you're staying in your house for a very long time.

Well actually he was going to have to spend at least 1200 to get his old water heater replaced. So really if you look at the difference in price as what you need to cover it pays for the difference in slightly less than 3 years.

Ahh, I misunderstood. Definitely worth it in that case.

 

[playin4beer]

Why do you need to heat hot water?

Just came in to post the same thing... why heat it if it's already hot?

 

[Dentist]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

 

[jamny]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

 

[17seconds]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

http://flexsealbrite.net/

 

[Peter Lemonjello]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Does it have an expansion tank?

 

[sho nuff]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

No need for those safety features...Id just disable all pressure valves and emergency valves.

 

[Dentist]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

 

[Dentist]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Does it have an expansion tank?

no i do not have this feature

 

[3C's]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

water temp is too high or pressure is too high. you can drop the temp to see if that helps or as posted earlier have an expansion tank installed. or have the municipality come check the pressure from the street.

 

[pittstownkiller]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

You could have too much pressure but it could also be too hot. The pressure relief valve you are referring to is actually a temperature and pressure valve. What is your unit temprature set at? Anyway here is a link that should answer your question:http://www.watts.com/pages/support/tp.asp?catId=64

 

[pittstownkiller]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

What lesson did you learn? If it was to just replace the tank before there is trouble you only got part of it. Piping the t&p valve to a drain is something that should be done for good measure, as is a pan with a connected drain; both should be done if there is a chance of a leak will damage living space.

 

[pittstownkiller]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

 

[Dentist]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

You could have too much pressure but it could also be too hot. The pressure relief valve you are referring to is actually a temperature and pressure valve. What is your unit temprature set at? Anyway here is a link that should answer your question:http://www.watts.com/pages/support/tp.asp?catId=64

thanks, it could be temperature, we keep it pretty hot because at normal temps somehow it doesn't make it to our master shower

 

[playin4beer]

This thread reminded me that I REALLY need to get mine replaced. It's not big enough and it's OLD. We built our house in 1996 and it was just the wife and I...Fast forward 17 years and we have four daughters and the same water heater. Yes, the same 17 year old electric 40 gallon model we had installed in 1996.It's like a ticking time bomb...

 

[NCCommish]

This thread reminded me that I REALLY need to get mine replaced. It's not big enough and it's OLD. We built our house in 1996 and it was just the wife and I...Fast forward 17 years and we have four daughters and the same water heater. Yes, the same 17 year old electric 40 gallon model we had installed in 1996.It's like a ticking time bomb...

Not only that but it is likely costing you a lot more to run than a modern one.

 

[3C's]

This thread reminded me that I REALLY need to get mine replaced. It's not big enough and it's OLD. We built our house in 1996 and it was just the wife and I...Fast forward 17 years and we have four daughters and the same water heater. Yes, the same 17 year old electric 40 gallon model we had installed in 1996.It's like a ticking time bomb...

Both of mine are older.

 

[3C's]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

I posted a link to Lowes with the GE hybrid earlier. Great deal currently considering I almost bought one for ~5 times as much a year ago. My buddy that did buy one back then is gonna be

 

[Flying V]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did!

Never have to worry about it.

Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200

Tankless system - $2400

Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.

No issue with tank size here!

I've never heard of this. Why the attic?

 

[pittstownkiller]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

You could have too much pressure but it could also be too hot. The pressure relief valve you are referring to is actually a temperature and pressure valve. What is your unit temprature set at? Anyway here is a link that should answer your question:http://www.watts.com/pages/support/tp.asp?catId=64

thanks, it could be temperature, we keep it pretty hot because at normal temps somehow it doesn't make it to our master shower

It would have to be quite hot to set off the valve but an increase in temprature would also see an increased need for an expansion tank. If you are having trouble getting hot water to your master bedroom's bath I would say that you are I need of a DHW recirculating pump, or other solutions. I would strongly suggest if you have either young children or an elderly person living with you, that you be mindful of water temperatures; the young and old do not have the nerve/reflex capacity to move away from hot water before they incur burns. If hot water volume is your issue, you could install a mixing valve. If you have any questions just ask, I'll be here all day; please remember to tip the waitress.

 

[Tom Servo]

Why do you need to heat hot water?

Because some FBGs have a cold water heater.

 

[gmbacm]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did!

Never have to worry about it.

Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200

Tankless system - $2400

Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.

No issue with tank size here!

I've never heard of this. Why the attic?

Many homes without basements will have this in the attic.

 

[3C's]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

You could have too much pressure but it could also be too hot. The pressure relief valve you are referring to is actually a temperature and pressure valve. What is your unit temprature set at? Anyway here is a link that should answer your question:http://www.watts.com/pages/support/tp.asp?catId=64

thanks, it could be temperature, we keep it pretty hot because at normal temps somehow it doesn't make it to our master shower

It would have to be quite hot to set off the valve but an increase in temprature would also see an increased need for an expansion tank. If you are having trouble getting hot water to your master bedroom's bath I would say that you are I need of a DHW recirculating pump, or other solutions. I would strongly suggest if you have either young children or an elderly person living with you, that you be mindful of water temperatures; the young and old do not have the nerve/reflex capacity to move away from hot water before they incur burns. If hot water volume is your issue, you could install a mixing valve. If you have any questions just ask, I'll be here all day; please remember to tip the waitress.

You know what I need? A timer that shuts off the hot water to one of the bathrooms. My son can start his shower while I'm in the kitchen. I can eat, go back and take a dump, take a shower, shave and still have time to go yell at him to wrap it up.

 

[3C's]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did!

Never have to worry about it.

Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200

Tankless system - $2400

Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.

No issue with tank size here!

I've never heard of this. Why the attic?

Many homes without basements will have this in the attic.

Saves space. The hybrid (heat pump) water heater might not be a good choice for an attic if it gets too hot.

 

[pittstownkiller]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

I posted a link to Lowes with the GE hybrid earlier. Great deal currently considering I almost bought one for ~5 times as much a year ago. My buddy that did buy one back then is gonna be

Sorry 3C's, I missed your post while I was replying. How does your buddy like the heater? If it performs like it is stated on the brochures it must work well.

 

[Flying V]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did!

Never have to worry about it.

Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200

Tankless system - $2400

Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.

No issue with tank size here!

I've never heard of this. Why the attic?

Many homes without basements will have this in the attic.

Must be an ordinance against it in my area. I was a real estate investor for years and never saw it. Think of the damage if it sprung a leak.

 

[playin4beer]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

I posted a link to Lowes with the GE hybrid earlier. Great deal currently considering I almost bought one for ~5 times as much a year ago. My buddy that did buy one back then is gonna be

What price are you currently showing?? The link shows it's $1399...

 

[pittstownkiller]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

You could have too much pressure but it could also be too hot. The pressure relief valve you are referring to is actually a temperature and pressure valve. What is your unit temprature set at? Anyway here is a link that should answer your question:http://www.watts.com/pages/support/tp.asp?catId=64

thanks, it could be temperature, we keep it pretty hot because at normal temps somehow it doesn't make it to our master shower

It would have to be quite hot to set off the valve but an increase in temprature would also see an increased need for an expansion tank. If you are having trouble getting hot water to your master bedroom's bath I would say that you are I need of a DHW recirculating pump, or other solutions. I would strongly suggest if you have either young children or an elderly person living with you, that you be mindful of water temperatures; the young and old do not have the nerve/reflex capacity to move away from hot water before they incur burns. If hot water volume is your issue, you could install a mixing valve. If you have any questions just ask, I'll be here all day; please remember to tip the waitress.

You know what I need? A timer that shuts off the hot water to one of the bathrooms. My son can start his shower while I'm in the kitchen. I can eat, go back and take a dump, take a shower, shave and still have time to go yell at him to wrap it up.

An electric solenoid valve could be installed or you could just turn off the hot water valve on the heater after a set time, lol. A teenager's time in the shower does not just comprise of bathing, IIRC .

 

[Ned]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did!

Never have to worry about it.

Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200

Tankless system - $2400

Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.

No issue with tank size here!

I've never heard of this. Why the attic?

Many homes without basements will have this in the attic.

My god that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. What sort of safety things are put up there to prevent a failure from destroying your ceilings?

 

[3C's]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

I posted a link to Lowes with the GE hybrid earlier. Great deal currently considering I almost bought one for ~5 times as much a year ago. My buddy that did buy one back then is gonna be

Sorry 3C's, I missed your post while I was replying. How does your buddy like the heater? If it performs like it is stated on the brochures it must work well.

Loves it. Saving quite a bit each month on his bill. Has not had the problem some of the reviewers have had with the heat pump.

 

[pittstownkiller]

Went Tankless 4 yrs ago and oh so glad I did!

Never have to worry about it.

Cost of having a Hot Water Heater replaced - in my attic - $1200

Tankless system - $2400

Gas bill went from $80 to $45 per month.

No issue with tank size here!

I've never heard of this. Why the attic?

Many homes without basements will have this in the attic.

Must be an ordinance against it in my area. I was a real estate investor for years and never saw it. Think of the damage if it sprung a leak.

It is rather common in warm locales/beach communities; many of these homes do not have basements and freezing is not an issue.

 

[pittstownkiller]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

I posted a link to Lowes with the GE hybrid earlier. Great deal currently considering I almost bought one for ~5 times as much a year ago. My buddy that did buy one back then is gonna be

What price are you currently showing?? The link shows it's $1399...

$1,399.00 for me.

 

[3C's]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

I posted a link to Lowes with the GE hybrid earlier. Great deal currently considering I almost bought one for ~5 times as much a year ago. My buddy that did buy one back then is gonna be

What price are you currently showing?? The link shows it's $1399...

$299.70 here locally. http://www.lowes.com/pd_79425-83-GEH50DNSRSA_0__?productId=3127075&Ntt=water+heatersThe price appears to be based on location. Guess I'm getting a good deal here. Checked a CA zip and it was twice as much.

 

[playin4beer]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

I posted a link to Lowes with the GE hybrid earlier. Great deal currently considering I almost bought one for ~5 times as much a year ago. My buddy that did buy one back then is gonna be

What price are you currently showing?? The link shows it's $1399...

$299.70 here locally. http://www.lowes.com/pd_79425-83-GEH50DNSRSA_0__?productId=3127075&Ntt=water+heatersThe price appears to be based on location. Guess I'm getting a good deal here. Checked a CA zip and it was twice as much.

Damn.. for that price, it's a no brainer.. I figured you had to be showing a different price. Couldn't imagine anybody contemplating paying $5,000 for a water heater

 

[3C's]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

You could have too much pressure but it could also be too hot. The pressure relief valve you are referring to is actually a temperature and pressure valve. What is your unit temprature set at? Anyway here is a link that should answer your question:http://www.watts.com/pages/support/tp.asp?catId=64

thanks, it could be temperature, we keep it pretty hot because at normal temps somehow it doesn't make it to our master shower

It would have to be quite hot to set off the valve but an increase in temprature would also see an increased need for an expansion tank. If you are having trouble getting hot water to your master bedroom's bath I would say that you are I need of a DHW recirculating pump, or other solutions. I would strongly suggest if you have either young children or an elderly person living with you, that you be mindful of water temperatures; the young and old do not have the nerve/reflex capacity to move away from hot water before they incur burns. If hot water volume is your issue, you could install a mixing valve. If you have any questions just ask, I'll be here all day; please remember to tip the waitress.

You know what I need? A timer that shuts off the hot water to one of the bathrooms. My son can start his shower while I'm in the kitchen. I can eat, go back and take a dump, take a shower, shave and still have time to go yell at him to wrap it up.

An electric solenoid valve could be installed or you could just turn off the hot water valve on the heater after a set time, lol. A teenager's time in the shower does not just comprise of bathing, IIRC .

Unfortunately the water heater is outside, down some steps, in a utility room. I did do it once though. Fun times. His showers are that long every time, not like he is doing "something else" every time. Right?

 

[3C's]

To the OP:Tankless depends on whether you have gas or electric as the fuel for you DHW (domestic hot water) and incoming water temperatures (necessary for an electric tankless system). You could be very happy with a gas tankless system but unless you live in a relatively warm climate an electric tankless will probably leave undesirable results. I did see this heat pump electric DHW heater that really looks interesting to me (I believe Lowes carries this): http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

I posted a link to Lowes with the GE hybrid earlier. Great deal currently considering I almost bought one for ~5 times as much a year ago. My buddy that did buy one back then is gonna be

What price are you currently showing?? The link shows it's $1399...

$299.70 here locally. http://www.lowes.com/pd_79425-83-GEH50DNSRSA_0__?productId=3127075&Ntt=water+heatersThe price appears to be based on location. Guess I'm getting a good deal here. Checked a CA zip and it was twice as much.

Damn.. for that price, it's a no brainer.. I figured you had to be showing a different price. Couldn't imagine anybody contemplating paying $5,000 for a water heater

I know. Glad this topic came up. Both of my water heaters are 20+ years old...and my BIL, who I worked for during the summers when I was a "kid" is a plumber.

 

[pittstownkiller]

This thread reminded me that I REALLY need to get mine replaced. It's not big enough and it's OLD. We built our house in 1996 and it was just the wife and I...

Fast forward 17 years and we have four daughters and the same water heater. Yes, the same 17 year old electric 40 gallon model we had installed in 1996.

It's like a ticking time bomb...

You are living on borrowed time my friend. Unless you are draining down this tank periodically (as per manufacturer's requirements) and are swapping out the anodes (don't ask no one does it), you will not get much more life on a tank past its warranty period.

 

[pittstownkiller]

Anyone know much about water heaters?Mine is leaking from the pressure valve.I replaced the valve with a new valve, but it's still leaking!

Sounds like you should just replace the whole thing. We waited to replace ours while our basement was being finished and the thing blew and flooded our basement and ruined a lot of the construction material with it. Really sucked, but learned our lesson. Don't wait too long.

it's 12 months old.. i just got a new water heater

You could have too much pressure but it could also be too hot. The pressure relief valve you are referring to is actually a temperature and pressure valve. What is your unit temprature set at? Anyway here is a link that should answer your question:http://www.watts.com/pages/support/tp.asp?catId=64

thanks, it could be temperature, we keep it pretty hot because at normal temps somehow it doesn't make it to our master shower

It would have to be quite hot to set off the valve but an increase in temprature would also see an increased need for an expansion tank. If you are having trouble getting hot water to your master bedroom's bath I would say that you are I need of a DHW recirculating pump, or other solutions. I would strongly suggest if you have either young children or an elderly person living with you, that you be mindful of water temperatures; the young and old do not have the nerve/reflex capacity to move away from hot water before they incur burns. If hot water volume is your issue, you could install a mixing valve. If you have any questions just ask, I'll be here all day; please remember to tip the waitress.

You know what I need? A timer that shuts off the hot water to one of the bathrooms. My son can start his shower while I'm in the kitchen. I can eat, go back and take a dump, take a shower, shave and still have time to go yell at him to wrap it up.

An electric solenoid valve could be installed or you could just turn off the hot water valve on the heater after a set time, lol. A teenager's time in the shower does not just comprise of bathing, IIRC .

Unfortunately the water heater is outside, down some steps, in a utility room. I did do it once though. Fun times. His showers are that long every time, not like he is doing "something else" every time. Right?

Have you checked his browser for "wood pr0n" .