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More like 1-2 days after the standard 6 year warranty...

I know mine won't last much longer than the warranty. I'm on softened well water and it's already making the hot water smell funky. I can tell when I get home and shower if nobody has been using much hot water during the day. I know there's special anode rods for this, just haven't put the effort into it yet

 

AO Smith used to be a decent brand, till they branched out into the big box market. Mine is an AO and it definitely ain't what they use to be, as pictured here, cheapened out on some things...

 

Agreed

 

I paid extra for a Rheem instead of AO Smith for that reason. Had a Home Depot contractor install it, and I would definitely do that again.

I had a 40 gallon that was 12 years old. Bought a 50 gallon and with installation, it was $1,500.

 

I always save receipts -- actually finding them is something we won't mention...

 

Lots of good info here: https://www.waterheaterrescue.com/

@Delta09 info on smelly water anode:
https://www.waterheaterrescue.com/troubleshooting/smelly-hot-water.html

 

I haven't looked at local plumbing supply places yet, but if the prices are similar to what I've seen online. I'll probably end up with an HD or Lowes 40 gal. I'll do my own installation, which will save me some money. I think I can get by for about $500 + the cost of some better valves.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-900...cint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070153534366

 

Yea that’s the one I’m going to get. It’s weird that the ao smith manual I was looking at said my heater took a 16” one. I didn’t figure that was really correct but figured the heating elements got in the way of a longer one or something so I just got a short one. Should have followed my gut. I don’t guess my heaters going to last through another anode though. I was eying up the rheem platinum one on HDs website. Not sure I can do an install myself, but at pay if I do and I spring a leak it’s in the garage and not my attic

 

There are plenty of how-to videos on YT. If the location is easy to get to, like in your garage, installation is not very complicated. The water tanks don't weigh very much when they are empty. I installed my first one before YT was a thing. I would certainly encourage you to watch some videos and try to do it yourself. Plumbers are expensive!

 

Yea it’s location makes replacement stupid easy. I’ve just never soldered copper pipe before. I’ll do some practice ones first haha

 

As long as the pipe is clean and dry with a good fit up soldering is quite easy.

Do a few practice parts and you can learn quick.

 

Soldering is easy, just be sure you get plenty of flux on the pipe.

 

I would not solder the pipes. I would get some flexible pipe and a shark bite fittings. Cut back how ever much of the house pipes is necessary to make room for the SB flitting and new flexpipe. I want to be able to use a wrench to put the heater in and if necessary take it out.

 

You fuckers just ain't right!

Funny, but twisted.

Can't wait until the next random shit pops up.

 

Little known fact:

Plumbers in the past were paid hourly.
They like sweating copper because it takes longer.

It's not rocket science, but it is easy to burn down the house.

Today's compression fittings and crimped fittings are more popular since you don't have an open flame...and most plumbing jobs are bid by the job.
As well they are just as reliable as a sweated fitting.

 

I replaced most of the plumbing valves to my sinks and toilets when I moved into my house. As virtually every one of the valves was stuck open. I sawalled them off and replaced them with shark bite fitted 1/4 turn ball valves. Was way simpler than soldering pipe. Soldering might be cheaper, but I don't think it's worth the hassle.

 

Anyone here run a PTO driver stump grinder? Looking at a Woodland Mills stump grinder this week for the Kubota