Quote:
Originally Posted by theducks
 What kind of flood is 'nice'? 
At close to $1000 (12Y, Calif, "low NOX") without installation, we run them till they drip . 
(most fails just start out dripping. Our building codes require drip pans with a drain connection AND be 18" above the floor if in a Garage)
Maintenance, can prolong the life. Almost anyone can attach a garden hose and use a screwdriver (child proof rules removed the knobs years ago) and drain sediment. Changing the Anode rod is a bit (can be a lot of effort for so simple of an item) heavy duty (unscrew a pipe plug, remove the assembly, screw in the new one). Frequency of these tasks depends on your water makeup |
It's a lot easier and a lot better (IMHO) to buy a tankless water heater. Once it's installed, you don't have to worry about leaking. Plus it saves you a lot of gas usage as it doesn't have to keep the water heated and it doesn't have to heat the the cold water when you use hot water. And a tankless water heater lasts about twice as long.