At what point do you replace WH's?

[Richard W. Washington]

Any comments welcome? These are 8 yr old State brand 40 gallon gas units.

[Brian E. Kelly]

That one should probably be replaced at 7 years.

[Richard W. Washington]

What would happen if the units were left in place and the corrosion continued on for years?

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by rwashington

What would happen if the units were left in place and the corrosion continued on for years?

Is this a riddle?? I love riddles.

[James H. Bushart]

If they are operating and are not leaking, they need not be replaced, IMO.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Looks like the nipple is leaking on that one. I'd refer it to a plumber and let him make the call.

[relliott]

Is that a garden hose for the gas line?
I used to use them for my torches.

[Steven C. Waskewicz]

I'm wondering about the standing water in the pan...

I'd at least let them know its in the end stages of its useful life and to plan on considering a replacement.

[Richard W. Washington]

Originally Posted by swaskewicz

I'm wondering about the standing water in the pan...

I'd at least let them know its in the end stages of its useful life and to plan on considering a replacement.

The standing water in the pan was one thing. The side of the home was a swamp as the overflow pipe had been dripping for days...It was rank!!

[Raymond N. Newman]

So what you essentially are saying it is corroding from the outside and not from the inside ?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by rnewman1

So what you essentially are saying it is corroding from the outside and not from the inside ?

Affirmative. Looks like the connections are leaking to me.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

That one should probably be replaced at 7 years.

Duh

[Paul Pendley]

Replace the water heater or fix the leak???? It appears that a leak somewhere is causing this problem not the water heater. Would you replace a car because it had a flat tire???

[Richard W. Washington]

Originally Posted by ppendley

Replace the water heater or fix the leak???? It appears that a leak somewhere is causing this problem not the water heater. Would you replace a car because it had a flat tire???

Guess that was the ? I should have posed. Can the corrosion now or in the future affect the operation? Sure the leaks can be fixed but is that all that needs to happen?

[Richard Mangold]

Defer to a plumber for further evaluation. Let him decide what happens next or to repair/replace.