Gas water heater leaked via TPR valve....need your advice

[passatdoc]

@polkanut

BW was the only brand the plumbing service stocked/offered on a Sunday emergency house call. I agree it's only mediocre. Some of the Lowes models offer a 12 year warranty. But something like a Ruud would be nice, particularly if it goes 15+ years. I am tired of heaters that blow up after seven years (there may be nothing wrong with the current heater other than the TPR valve, but we'll know more tomorrow....).

 

[mattl]

I'm surprised at the short life your tanks have. I put in a Sear TOL gas heater and it lasted 22 years and I replaced it with another TOL Sears and it's at 12 years now and I expect another 10 if not more. Not sure if it's the brand of tank you are using or something in the water or perhaps the installation but I would hope your next tank lasts longer.

 

[sudsmaster]

The longevity of a water heater is related to the water quality as well as the quality of the heater. Hard water can be expected to leave more scale deposits inside the heater, perhaps leading to localized hot spots (in a gas heater) that weaken the tank walls. Aggressive water (very soft and acidic) will eat through plumbing fairly quickly.

Anode rods are there to help protect the tank walls against corrosion. They dissolve before the steel dissolves. More expensive water heaters with longer warranties often feature dual anode rods - one in the usual spot and the second piggy backed on the hot water outlet.

Any water heater's life may be prolonged by regular checking of the anode rod(s) and replacement with new anode rods when the rod shows 2/3 of the internal wire exposed.

My Montgomery Ward 50 gallon gas water heater is now 33 years old. About seven years ago I replaced the anode rod... it had 2/3 of the wire exposed - just in time! I don't know if the heater will last another 33 years, but I believe a combination of good construction and water that is neither too hard, too soft, and is slightly basic has contributed to the heater's long life.

The 40 gallon six year GE a neighbor recently gave me was built in 2003. I pulled the anode rod and it's basically intact... no wire showing anywhere. This is an indication to me that the water here is water heater friendly. I put in a new anode rod anyway (I had a spare for the Montgomery Ward) and will be replacing also the TPS valve even though it looks ok. It's a cheap form of insurance. The GE will probably go into the workshop to be fired up on occasion to provide hot water to those washers without heaters (vintage Maytags, GE, and Whirpool toploaders).