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  #1  
Old 8/31/09, 7:51 PM
pdickerson pdickerson is offline
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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, 7:58 PM
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rbrady rbrady is offline
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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."
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Old 8/31/09, 8:05 PM
Larry D. Kage Larry D. Kage is offline
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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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Old 9/1/09, 12:10 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.



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Inspecting Upstate SC & Charlotte Metro, NC
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