First time poster here. My water heater is 29 years old. It has never had any repairs nor servicing. It is an electric 40 gal Rheem. I think the lower heating element is out. We have hot water but it doesn't last long. No tank damage, no rust on the outside of tank. A couple friends said they would fix the element and drive on, a few said given the age, to go ahead and replace it. What do you guys think? If I replace, my local options are Rheem from Home Depot, AO Smith from Lowes, and American Water Heater brand from local plumbing supply store. Thanks for any replies and suggestions.
Water Heater, Repair or replace and with what?
- Thread starter Kville
- Start date
Jeff H Young
In the Trades
install new heater
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Breplum
Licensed plumbing contractor
New WH
MACPLUMB
In the Trades
New water heater, Do not use any of those Heaters that have SMART features
John Gayewski
In the Trades
If your doing the work yourself and don't mind it, I would fix it. Just know there's a possibility (strong possibility) you'll turn around and replace it anyway in a few months. Or cause more damage and a headache trying to fix it.
If your hiring a plumber definitely replace.
If your hiring a plumber definitely replace.
Fitter30
Well-Known Member
Rheem marathon if your looking for a heater that should ladt a very long time and might have a rebate from your utility company
That's out of my range for right now. Here are the three I am leaning toward.
American Water Heater
www.brsupplyinc.com
Rheem
AO Smith
40 gal should do it for family of 4 right? Thanks again.
American Water Heater
AME E6N-40R - American 40 Gallon 4500W Electric Water Heater - BR Supply Inc
AME E6N-40R - American 40 Gallon 4500W Electric Water Heater Dimensions 49.75in x 20.5in 109# 6-Year Limited Tank Warranty, 6-Year Parts Warranty, 1-Year Labor Warranty. .92 Uniform Energy Factor.First Hour Rating 55 Gallon
www.brsupplyinc.com
Rheem
Rheem Performance 40 gal. 4500 -Watt Medium Electric Water Heater with 6 Year Tank Warranty and 240 volt Connection XE40M06ST45U1 - The Home Depot
The Rheem Performance 40 Gal. Electric medium water heater provides an ample supply of hot water for households with 2 to 4 people. This unit comes with two 4500-Watt elements and an automatic thermostat
www.homedepot.com
AO Smith
40 gal should do it for family of 4 right? Thanks again.
Last edited:
Master Plumber Mark
Sensitivity trainer and plumber of mens souls
you can do a Rheem or a bradford white.... or even a smith heater...... Just dont buy anything fancy with
the digital readouts on the front of the unit.... they are all junk and big trouble
the digital readouts on the front of the unit.... they are all junk and big trouble
Jeff H Young
In the Trades
possible to extend life likely if your DIY but paying a qualified plumber might not pencil out. I work on so few electric tanks but they are very simple,, change element or both and t stats and possibly muck out heater with shop vac through the hole. might work.
KVILLE. you still living with cold water or which way did you go with rectifying issue?
KVILLE. you still living with cold water or which way did you go with rectifying issue?
Calvin R Rivera
New Member
In my opinion, it is better to buy a new one. Its repair cost will be very high. I am leaning towards the American Water heater and Rheem.
Jeff H Young
In the Trades
better not cheaper 50 bucks for parts to repair labor is a factor , DIY no labor cost. another factor is the finances of the owner
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