[net.consumers] Gas Water Heaters - how do you know when you need a new one???

ijk@hropus.UUCP (Ihor J. Kinal) (02/10/86)

Our water heater is at least 6 years old (since that's how long we've lived
there), and probably a lot older, since it wasn't well insulated .
	It's my impression that these heaters only last about 10 years,
so I'm wondering if it's time; the water seems to smell a bit, and  I've
drained it twice in the last 8 months, and the water seemed very iron-colored
(but that may just be residues from the local water).  The water also doesn't
seem as hot (possibly due to deposit build-up on the inside???).

If I do need a new one, what's the best way to have it replaced.  Call up
a local plumber, or let someone like Sears handle it???

Any recommendations will be much appreciated.
Ihor Kinal
ihnp4!houxm!hropus!ijk

essachs@ihuxl.UUCP (Ed Sachs) (02/12/86)

> Our water heater is at least 6 years old (since that's how long we've lived
> there), and probably a lot older, since it wasn't well insulated .
> 	It's my impression that these heaters only last about 10 years,
> so I'm wondering if it's time; the water seems to smell a bit, and  I've
> drained it twice in the last 8 months, and the water seemed very iron-colored
> (but that may just be residues from the local water).  The water also doesn't
> seem as hot (possibly due to deposit build-up on the inside???).
> 
> If I do need a new one, what's the best way to have it replaced.  Call up
> a local plumber, or let someone like Sears handle it???
> 
> Any recommendations will be much appreciated.
> Ihor Kinal
> ihnp4!houxm!hropus!ijk

Generally, you need a new water heater when one of the following happens:

1. It starts leaking.

2. It doesn't heat the water any more.
-- 
				Ed Sachs
				AT&T Bell Laboratories
				Naperville, IL
				ihnp4!ihuxl!essachs