Old Hot Water Heater Question

[MelissaC398]

Hello, I purchased a home in 2021 and thought I'd do some maintenance on the water heater (anode change, drain). I looked at the manufacturer (AO Smith) and noted the serial number indicated it was made in 2002 (it is now 2023). The water heater from the outside appears new and it works perfectly (does gurgle every now and then). So, I drained it and these "crystals" came out maybe a 1/4 cup but that was it. So moving on to the anode rod. It is NOT on the top of the water heater. There is a hot water, cold water, and TP valve and a hole for insulation. The insulation hole IS NOT the anode hole. Removed the TP valve not under there. Removed the hot water nipple, not there, either. In between the hot and cold inlets there is the word "anode" embossed on the top cover of the water heater. I removed the vent and TP valve and four screws that hold the top of cover on but can not get the top off. Tried to pry it off and it is on there. Is the anode rod under that cover? If it is since the HWH is so old (but runs great) should I just save myself the trouble and wait for it to fail?

 

[Weekend Handyman]

I am not a plumber. If it is 20 YO, replace it now. ‘Failing’ may take the form of a flood.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[MelissaC398]

I am not a plumber. If it is 20 YO, replace it now. ‘Failing’ may take the form of a flood.

Thank you I appreciate the advice. I wish I could see the anode as the outside seriously looks brand new.

 

[Weekend Handyman]

Makes sense it looks good … they rust from the inside.

It is highly unlikely you will be able to get the anode out.

Here is a good video.

 

[Jeff H Young]

I serviced mine about 6 monthes ago replaced anode flush it a bunch of times put a full port ball valve in on drain shop vaved through the drain hole the whole 9 yards first time ive done it on a water heater mine is 5 years old. I think there is far more than a cup of junk in the bottom of your tank . 20 somethin year old tank. definately have your eye on a new tank and a few beans saved to purchase tank its borrowed time now . I know it5 looks real pretty on the outside thats the part that dosent matter though

 

[MelissaC398]

I serviced mine about 6 monthes ago replaced anode flush it a bunch of times put a full port ball valve in on drain shop vaved through the drain hole the whole 9 yards first time ive done it on a water heater mine is 5 years old. I think there is far more than a cup of junk in the bottom of your tank . 20 somethin year old tank. definately have your eye on a new tank and a few beans saved to purchase tank its borrowed time now . I know it5 looks real pretty on the outside thats the part that dosent matter though

Thank you I appreciate all info. I contacted a plumber this afternoon who has been in our neighborhood at other homes and told him about the HWH he paused and then chuckled and said, "you've got some use out of it" but like you indicated "borrowed time" so he's coming out this week to give me an estimate on a Rennai tankless which is what I had in my previous home and loved it. Now I'm paranoid any minute its going to start leaking. The first part of the serial number has two letters and then a zero and a two and according to the AO Smith website which indicates it was built in 2002 which is when this house was built. So I am taking everyone's advice and getting rid of it before it punks out on me, lol!

 

[Jeff H Young]

ok but no need to panic.

Im in highland house was built in 01 Ive replace it twice not sure when the original quit but my second heater lasted less than 6 years and the one I have now is around 5 or 6 years old . tank heaters run around 2000 grand on average from a contractor tankless no idea it varies a lot