Need some plumber hot water heater advice

[Aerovette]

Originally Posted by Big bob

Better check before the flood. Pvc is white and cpvc is off white.

Sounds racist.

The things I can see, I can check. What's behind these walls is what worries me. I do know that from the day I moved in, my shower water has smelled like plastic.

[Big bob]

Originally Posted by aerovette

Sounds racist.

The things I can see, I can check. What's behind these walls is what worries me. I do know that from the day I moved in, my shower water has smelled like plastic.

This would be my guess.


https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/...d.php?t=131303


But you can just look at your water heater. They are sized different.

[slewfoot]

Originally Posted by Big bob

Better check before the flood. Pvc is white and cpvc is off white.

I'm far from knowledgeable but the damn thing looks like it was put together by some brutha's during a football game with a load of beer.

Any water heater that I have ever seen including my own had copper cold and hot lines, not that shit.

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by aerovette

I'll bet my builder didn't. I don't think they did much of anything right.

Many home builders don't know shit. Yours didn't even hire a competent plumber. Most plumbers know their profession, and aren't afraid to tell you that.

A lot of water has naturally occurring minerals that coat the insides of tanks making anodes unnecessary. So many tanks are sold without them. Most people will buy the cheapest tank that they can find so eliminate one part and sell more.

I owned three homes for a total of 50 years and only replaced one tank due to corrosion. That was a failure of the dielectric coupling (my plumber installed it wrong).

[Frankie the Fink]

Its CPVC plumbing and its a custom home by a very reputable builder, every place in the neighborhood is the same, even $2.5 million dollar homes. I had a plumber tell me last night that some State heaters don't have an anode rod - very strange; anyway after 18 years I'm looking to replace it; if that tank goes from corrosion it'll be a nasty mess.

[jh225]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink

Its CPVC plumbing and its a custom home by a very reputable builder, every place in the neighborhood is the same, even $2.5 million dollar homes. I had a plumber tell me last night that some State heaters don't have an anode rod - very strange; anyway after 18 years I'm looking to replace itif that tank goes from corrosion it'll be a nasty mess.

Like you said, a serious WTF when looking at 80 gallon tanks to replace older tanks. You can thank .Gov for that. That crap started about 7-8 years ago when the big tanks weren’t “efficient enough” for new standards. Only choices now are sub $2K for a “light commercial” non smart type unit or a $2500+ hybrid unit. Absolutely ridiculous and I’m hoping my original one never craps out.

[Big bob]

I find it hard to believe there is no anode rod. Did you dig around under the insulation? Also before I would replace it I would peek in and inspect the tank. If the tank looks OK it can last a lot longer mine are over 30 years old and still going strong.
The first thing to do on any water heater is change the drain valve to a full bore ball.
Everything you need is linked below.
Do your homework on what rod is best for you. I use this one and change every 3 years.




https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Eau-...%2C1526&sr=8-5





https://www.amazon.com/House-Mods-HM...s%2C254&sr=8-5



https://www.amazon.com/Seesi-Endosco...s%2C945&sr=8-2

[Mike Mercury]

Replacing thermostats, heating elements and sacrificial anode

when that time arrives... isn't it prudent to replace the entire unit ?

[Big bob]

Originally Posted by Mike Mercury

when that time arrives... isn't it prudent to replace the entire unit ?

That is all you can replace. Look at the price of them now the rest is just a tank. Do you buy a new car when it just needs a brake job?

[mrvette]

I just looked up at Home Despot......500 bux for a 50 gal electric heater plus other crap, and you dun with it......600 max on a DIY basis.....

I paid like 225 or so for same thing there, about ten years ago......

oh well, ......

[Mike Mercury]

Originally Posted by Big bob

That is all you can replace. Look at the price of them now the rest is just a tank. Do you buy a new car when it just needs a brake job?

depends how old the car is & mileage... and if there are multiple things needing maintenance.

[Big bob]

Originally Posted by Mike Mercury

depends how old the car is & mileage... and if there are multiple things needing maintenance.

Exactly it is a tank and if you do some research the older the better for steel. I put a link up so you can see for yourself for 20 bucks.

I clean my elements and replace my anode rod every 3 years flush it twice a year for over 30 years still going strong.


First thing is get rid of that crap drain valve and get one like I posted. I have seen more than one that was filled with crap that could not be drained. One of them let go when trying to muscle it out.

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink

Its CPVC plumbing and its a custom home by a very reputable builder, every place in the neighborhood is the same, even $2.5 million dollar homes. I had a plumber tell me last night that some State heaters don't have an anode rod - very strange; anyway after 18 years I'm looking to replace it; if that tank goes from corrosion it'll be a nasty mess.

The choice of anode or not depends on the water. Many water sources cause deposition onto steel instead of corroding it.

[Frankie the Fink]

Apparently some State Select heaters with stainless tanks do NOT have an anode rod...
Duh... Swapped in new heating elements and all is well for now and I'll figure out my next steps for replacing the 18 year old unit.

[Big bob]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink

Apparently some State Select heaters with stainless tanks do NOT have an anode rod...
Duh... Swapped in new heating elements and all is well for now and I'll figure out my next steps for replacing the 18 year old unit.

WHY

[Mick]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink

Apparently some State Select heaters with stainless tanks do NOT have an anode rod...
Duh... Swapped in new heating elements and all is well for now and I'll figure out my next steps for replacing the 18 year old unit.

There is a little detail you either didn't share before, or I missed it. This is outside my area of expertise, but I can see that if the manufacturer used a high grade stainless steel tank, they might forego a sacrificial anode.

[Frankie the Fink]

Originally Posted by Mick

There is a little detail you either didn't share before, or I missed it. This is outside my area of expertise, but I can see that if the manufacturer used a high grade stainless steel tank, they might forego a sacrificial anode.

I didn't KNOW about the stainless steel tank until a plumber buddy clued me in late yesterday, I'm just glad I didn't try to wrench on something inappropriate Anyway they sell a rebuild kit with both upper and lower thermostats and heating elements and the water is steamy now.

But I'll still look at a replacement, apparently the latest fad is a mini-heat pump on top of the tank to lower energy costs but they go for about $2,400 (Ugh)...

Old heating elements....the new ones are chrome-plated and supposedly last longer.

[Frankie the Fink]

Originally Posted by Big bob

WHY

Why what ? A temporary fix to get warm water on a Sunday, vs trying to buy a new tank and get it installed ASAP ? Lowes/Home Depot don't even have 80 gallon tanks in the stores (I went there and checked) - have to be ordered.

[Big bob]

Why are you talking about replacing it?

[Frankie the Fink]

Originally Posted by Big bob

Why are you talking about replacing it?

Oh - I may not after looking at some of the prices for new ones....and most have regular glass tanks.