Inside a water heater... I bet the long pipe inside the heater at the cold inlet (A) has rotted off. it can be replaced.
water heater maintenance
- Thread starter huffmuds9320
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We're in need of a new 40 gallon ( 30 gal. , only 2 of us ) electric water heater . It's a RHEEM that's nearly 15 years old and we don't think the original owners of the home ever flushed it . The well water has lots of iron so not appliance friendly . We've looked at RICHMOND ( RHEEM ), RHEEM , G.E. ( Rheem ) , and Whirlpool . All have a 5 year or 6 year warranty . What would be your choice ? Other brands for suggestion are welcome . THANKS
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Almost all of them are made by AO Smith, except for Rheem/Rudd. Sears Kenmore actually has a good AO Smith made heater at decent prices.
We have a Reliance. Best one we have ever had.
But its best to periodically remove and clean (or preferably replace) the elements. Also flushing at least once/year. Also running it at the lowest temperature is important.
But its best to periodically remove and clean (or preferably replace) the elements. Also flushing at least once/year. Also running it at the lowest temperature is important.
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Kestas
Staff member
Thanks to this thread, I drained my 11 year old gas water heater this weekend. Some crud came out at the very beginning, no crud came out at the end. My model claims to be self-cleaning, whatever that means.
I'll stick to draining just a gallon every few months like I always have.
Don't forget to exercise the pressure relief valve on top.
I'll stick to draining just a gallon every few months like I always have.
Don't forget to exercise the pressure relief valve on top.
We got an A.O. SMITH ECT 40 gallon electric water heater installed few days ago . Apparently it has an energy effeciency of 90 . Time will tell when we get the electric bill . Should we wrap it or is insulated enough ? We were also told by the tech of A.O. SMITH we may want to install an ZINC ALUMINUM anode ( $34 ) due to high iron in the well water . Think we may do so in a year or two . Does anyone have experience with this rod ? Thanks for your help .
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Originally Posted By: odie
Should we wrap it or is insulated enough ?
I think the smart money is on cutting down the temp. Ours delivers 117 F water.
Should we wrap it or is insulated enough ?
I think the smart money is on cutting down the temp. Ours delivers 117 F water.
I set mine at 110F in summer and 120F in winter
I think the heat loss through the tank is pretty slim on most modern units.
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