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  #1  
Old 8/31/09, 8:51 PM
Paul Dickerson Paul Dickerson is offline
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Location: Clinton, WA
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Default Older water heaters

I am curious how other inspectors handle older water heaters that are operating normally. I frequently see 15-20 year old water heaters in good operating condition, and I usually note the age and state that it may be approaching the end of its service life, but I usually do not recommend replacing it. Do some of you make a recommendation to replace an older unit strictly due to its age?
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  #2  
Old 8/31/09, 8:58 PM
Ralph Brady's Avatar
Ralph Brady Ralph Brady is offline
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Location: Eureka, CA
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Default Re: Older water heaters

My standard comment on anything over 9 years old:

"The water heater is aging and may be near/at end of it's life expectancy. Monitor closely for leaks and budget for replacement, or replace preemptively.
Older water heaters are typically less efficient and an unplanned/expedited replacement can be more costly."

I take a picture of the burn chamber and if it looks decent I put the picture in the report and add this statement:
"
The burn chamber appeared to be in fair condition, which may indicate that the unit has some useful life existing."



"An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field"
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  #3  
Old 8/31/09, 9:05 PM
Larry D. Kage Larry D. Kage is offline
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Location: Lake Ann (Traverse City), MI
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Default Re: Older water heaters

If it is older, I let the client know that... "it shows indications that it may require repair or replacement anytime during the next five years."



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Larry Kage
Lake Ann (Traverse City), Michigan 49650
231 929 3525


Professional Inspector and Infrared Thermographer serving the Traverse City, Michigan area and beyond.


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  #4  
Old 9/1/09, 1:10 AM
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Joe Funderburk, CMI Joe Funderburk, CMI is offline
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Default Re: Older water heaters

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I also note the age and tell them to budget for a new one.



Joe Funderburk, CMI
Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, LLC
Inspecting Upstate SC & Charlotte Metro, NC
NACHI ID: NACHI05120170
www.aohomeinspection.com


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