[AngeloUCF]

Hi all, while cleaning up the garage I noticed some rust and corrosion on the cold water fitting of my water heater. It's well above eye level so I was lucky to notice this while on a nearby step stool.



It looks pretty bad to me, but wanted to hear some thoughts on if this is a repair situation or replace. It's the original heater going on 13 years with no other issues but up until this week I didn't even know flushing was advised, and I haven't done this in the 5yrs I've owned the home.


PS sorry I can't figure out why the pictures keep rotating.

 

[jmon]

You could flush it and get some of the sediment out of the tank itself. But that's not going to help the rusted out nipple on top. If it's not leaking yet, it will eventually.

That's very common issue that happens over time with dissimilar metals. When you replace it make sure you use the new dialectic inlet/outlet nipples.

Imo, that nipple looks too rusted out to try to replace, would probably just crush under pressure and they are really in there. I wouldn't attempt replacing it without having new water heater on stand by.

Imo, at over 13 years old, it's not worth it. Start budgeting for a new water heater.

 

[AngeloUCF]

Yes, I had a feeling that was the case and based on a forum search it appears the galvanic corrosion is very common without the right fittings.


Well I guess I can finally look at tankless now.

 

[jmon]

I faced a similar situation. I was going to switch to tankless to, but stayed with 40 gal ng.



It wasn't too hard to replace my old tank. Hardest part of the whole thing was getting the new tank in the basement and getting the old one out. lol. But with a couple of younger folks helping me we managed.

 

[dj3]

What jmon said, this water heater can't be fixed and it will go out in the near future.
Before you rush into tankless, study the advantages and disadvantages of either tank or tankless, to see which is best for you.
The biggest disadvantages of tankless are:
- Upfront costs of upgrading the gas line and vent.
- Required maintenance to keep the warranty valid.
Also, read "online complaints" from homeowners who are not as happy now as the day they bought tankless.

 

[HotRodx10]

Unless you have a spot closer to where you want the hot water, with access to a large gas line, and a place to run the exhaust vent (or large electrical wiring, if you want to go the more expensive option to operate), going to a tankless has very little advantage.



If you were cramped for space to put a larger tank, and you ran out of hot water alot, then maybe it would make sense to replace with a tankless in the same place, but that doesn't appear to be the case. If you need more hot water available, just bump up to a larger tank.


I'd also suggest planning to replumb the inlet and outlet with flexible lines, so you don't have to match the height and dimensions of the existing one when you replace it. Interesting (and should be dismaying to you) that they used a flexible vent, but not flexible water lines.



I'd also recommend adding a shutoff to the outlet side, while you're at it. The convenience of having one for cleaning and such, has been worth the extra 10 bucks for me.

 

[rjniles]

I dont believe that vent is compliant for a WH. Looks like dryer vent.

 

[jmon]

Because the photo is sideways, I didn't even notice the dryer vent exhaust rj pointed out.

All that can be corrected and brought up to code when replacing the wh. check with your local municipality or building inspector and see if an xpansion tank is required as well.

I like to install an xpansion tank on the incoming water line. I know in some areas you don't have/need to. In some locations it is required.

 

[bruceb3]

Tankless heaters need to be descaled on a yearly basis at a significant cost. They are also much more expensive to install and theres a good chance your gas meter and gas lines arent big enough for a tankless heater.
I've been a licensed plumber for 40 years and when I replaced my heater last year I put in a high recovery Lochinvar 50. It's a beast.
The only time I recommend a tankless is if space is a constraint or have a large family and run out of hot water regularly.

 

[bruceb3]

Yes, an expansion tank is required sometimes when you didnt have one before. If you have a closed system (softener or whole house filter) you need an expansion tank or your relief valve will be spilling regularly.