At what point do you replace WH's?

[Nick Gromicko]

The decision to replace an old but functioning water heater would be based in part by the damage it could cause if it leaked. If its setup was such that no damage would be caused by an unexpected leak, I'd leave it alone. It could go another 10 years.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

IT'S A PLUMBERS CALL! REFER IT TO A PLUMBER! End of debate.

[Richard W. Washington]

Originally Posted by rmangold

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

I would like to tell my client that yes they will likely need to be replaced or no the corrosion is not going to severely effect the operation and once the leaks are fixed you will be ok BUT of course defer to a master plumber for the definitive answer. Just telling the client to talk to a plumber tells the client that you are lacking in your knowledge and essentially is telling them to stop asking questions.
Does anyone know what the corrosion will do?

[Richard W. Washington]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

IT'S A PLUMBERS CALL! REFER IT TO A PLUMBER! End of debate.

I would rather improve my knowledge than take the easy way out.

[Richard Mangold]

An HI is a generalist. Your client should be made aware of this up front and in your contract. I understand that you want to increase your knowledge and that is a good thing but to report and go beyond the standards of practice in areas that you are not qualified will put you at more risk for litigation. The SOP states that you are not required to "B. Determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater." I'd be careful not to extend yourself to far unless you are a qualified and in our state a licensed plumber. There is a time to defer to authorities.

[Richard W. Washington]

Does anyone on this board have plumbing knowledge to answer my question? Would there be significant harm or unsafe conditions from using a water heater with that much rust on it?

Please don't tell me we are generalists. I have been well aware of that since 2003 when i got into this biz.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by rwashington

Does anyone on this board have plumbing knowledge to answer my question? Would there be significant harm or unsafe conditions from using a water heater with that much rust on it?

Please don't tell me we are generalists. I have been well aware of that since 2003 when i got into this biz.

Not in my opinion.

The rust is on the exterior skin which is only a cosmetic issue.

I suppose it possible the the water has entered the insulation blanket and is now also corroding the tank itself.

It's unsightly but probably no "unsafe" because of the rust anyway.

Fix the leak, clean it up and monitor for changing conditions.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Looks pretty rusty to me. If the leaks are not stopped, it will just get worse.

[Richard W. Washington]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Not in my opinion.

The rust is on the exterior skin which is only a cosmetic issue.

I suppose it possible the the water has entered the insulation blanket and is now also corroding the tank itself.

It's unsightly but probably no "unsafe" because of the rust anyway.

Fix the leak, clean it up and monitor for changing conditions.

Thank you very much. That was exactly the info I was looking for. Much appreciated.

[Bruce M. Graham, III]

Now would be a good time.
Repo- no sinks, light fixtures, no stove, dishwasher, or ac units left.
When you get over extended you tend to think of yourself as entitled

[David E. Helm]

Just replaced my own WH. Came home to the sound of running water. Went to the basement to find my unit had puked (technical term!) It didn't show any external signs of corrosion but was 15 years old. As long as it was in working order I was not going to spend the money on replacing it. This is only a good strategy when a puking water heater isn't in a location where it can cause damage.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

It will be time to replace the water heater when this thread dies off.