Well the Rheem 52 gallon water heater that was installed when the house was built in 1978 has given up the ghost.

It isn't a matter of replacing elements or thermostats as it now leaks.

I am sure I will get one from the plumbing supply company and not Home Depot, but what do I need to look for other than dimensions and capacity?

I want to buy one that will last another 20 years or more as I believe in the theory of "buy once; cry once".

quote:

52 gallon water heater that was installed when the house was built in 1978

You got your money's worth, average life is 12 to 15 years.

Go buy a new one, most are all made by a very few so they are all pretty much the same.
Nothing wrong with Home Depot units.
No rocket surgery here.
YMMV

Get one with a fiberglass tank!!!!

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...320095714#7320095714

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...780086324#3780086324

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...350007234#7350007234

Here are three recent threads with much info.

Bradford white and AO smith tend to be the 2 best ones. The lifespan you got was highly unusual and way over their expected lifespan of 12-15 years.

See if your Electric company Leases them.. Ours does it costs us $12 a month.. But they give us a $10 credit on our bill each month because it only runs on off peak hours. I have never run out of hot water. Best part is they have 24>7 support that will replace it if anything goes wrong.

You'all must have the magic water there in O-Land. Or maybe the electrolysis is in Goldilocks Balance. Another thing I've been pondering (I do this a lot) is that well water will be a constant temperature, which would be good for the tank.

I've seen, literally, 40 year old tanks running perfectly. No sediment build-up. And new tanks fail at 5 years 50 weeks ...

quote:

Originally posted by Woodman:
You'all must have the magic water there in O-Land. Or maybe the electrolysis is in Goldilocks Balance. Another thing I've been pondering (I do this a lot) is that well water will be a constant temperature, which would be good for the tank.

I've seen, literally, 40 year old tanks running perfectly. No sediment build-up. And new tanks fail at 5 years 50 weeks ...

I have changed the valve on this one from a cheap plastic valve to a 3/4 inch brass ball valve with hose fitting a few years ago, and you should see the chunks of calcium/minerals that I have blown out of this tank.

I started to hear it filling, and thought I was hearing pressure relief a week or so ago. Today I saw water in the drip pan, and a little overflow on the closet floor.

I don't have water damage on the floor as I think I caught it in time.

I want to thank all of you for your advice. I think a 50-65 gallon tank is what I am looking for with the idea that bigger gives more hot water.

A new 50 gallon should provide twice the hot water you have now.

went to the Plumbing supply and got the best they had a Pro-line commercial grade. $400.00, and then had it installed.

We now have hot water.

Ain't it grand? Piped hot water is one of my favorite inventions.

Bradford White told me a few months ago their 6- and 10- year warranted products are exactly the same. But in general, you get better hardware - valves and such - on the better product lines.