This is probably the most asked question but here we go anyway...When do I replace my hot water heater? It is about 10 years old (not sure of the exact age but the model is A.O. Smith FSG 50 232. The only problem I have with it is that it the control gauge (C B A Hot) seems to go from A to Hot by itself over time after I adjust it to the A setting resulting in there not being enough hot water in the morning. It is located in my finished basement so I am concerned that it may leak or burst one day. We have very "hard" water in our area and there is a lot of calcium buildup on the various water-related components such as shower head, humidifier, etc. and I assume on the inside of the water heater.

There are many factors to consider in order to determine the life expectancy of a water heater. 10 years is the average. Some heaters last 25 plus years. If you have hard water I would probably put you closer to the 10 year mark. Either way start planning now for your new water heater. Some things to think about. 1) will the existing flu size be sufficient 2) Can you add a safty pan under the water heater ? 3) Should your water heater be raised above the floor level ? 4) A water leak detect kit can isolate the cold water feed to water heater. 5) Extra insulation will help make it more energy efficient. GOOD LUCK

Lasting 10 years is a good average, but I have an old Day and Night natural gas water heater that is 34 years old. We have hard water and the preventive maintance I have used is draing a gallon of water out once a month and flushing ones a year. Energy cost averages $8.00 amonth when I checked last summer.

The date of manufacture on A.O. Smith water heaters can be found in the first four letters/numbers of the serial number which is next to the model number on the info tag attached to the water heater or check this link for warranty verification.

[www.hotwater.com]

e-plumber



e-plumber
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The society which scorns excellence in Plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an
exalted activity will have neither good Plumbing nor good philosophy: neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water." -
John William Gardner 10/8/1912 - 2/16/2002

Repair your leaking Plumbing fixtures ASAP [www.theplumber.com]
This slow drip will waste 7+ gallons of water per day.

When you do replace it...

www.preventflooding.com

Add a little protection.

Something to think about.



The longer the age of a heater, the less efficient they become due to buildup on bottom of tank, elements, or lack of good R-value of insulation around tank.



The burner/elements have to work that much harder to heat water through the buildup.


So it is conflicting to understand if the investment is seen up front in a replacement, or the savings over a year to year recurring.



Depending on water quality/hardness/calcium buildup, a 4 to 6 year heater is minus an anode rod, and buildup in tank is inevitable if no one has made a routine of draining the tank.

Heres a good one. Try to find a water heater that is 15-18 years old. I just got through replumbing the hot lines in a multiple unit condo complex. I found many heaters 20-28 years old and many under 12 years old. But did not find any in between. Anybody know why?

There is a generic term used in the manufacturing industry ( across the board, not just plumbing or water heaters): Infant Mortality. Get past that early stage and your home free.