How old is your water heater?

dx · 02-17-2009, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by Ladiesman271

The legal part is simple, except you even got that wrong. Rugged is not the original owner of the water heater.

Quoted from the A. O. Smith Warranty

"THIS WARRANTY IS APPLICABLE TO THE ORIGINAL
OWNER ONLY. In accordance with the warranty terms and
conditions specified below."

Are you having trouble with reading and comprehension? What I said was "if Rugged sold the original heater to the customer".

Or, how about this: I did't say Rugged was the original owner, I said "if he was the original installer".

If you're still failing to comprehend, let me know and I'll try a third way of 'splaining it to you

**Cass** · 02-24-2009, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by Redwood

Typical A.O. Smith S/N: MH************X

"MH" really does not translate into a date by just looking at it.

Actual A.O. Smith #s

Mod#FSG 50 248

S/N GK02-1062974-248

The K would stand for November the 11th month corresponding with K the 11th letter in the alphabet and 02 would be the year it was manufactured.

**AL_2007** · 03-14-2009, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Cass

Actual A.O. Smith #s

Mod#FSG 50 248

S/N GK02-1062974-248

The K would stand for November the 11th month corresponding with K the 11th letter in the alphabet and 02 would be the year it was manufactured.

I have an A.O. Smith and found the age after following this link:

http://www.rootermd.com/water-heater-age.htm

The link also shows how to find the age for few other water heater makes.

My 40 Gallon gas fired water heater is 20 years old installed by previous owners. I moved into the house a year ago. It seems to work fine, but it takes rather long time for the hot water to reach the shower in the morning. I wonder if there is any way to speed this up?
Also, what could go wrong in a heater of that age? Is there an age limit for such water heaters?

**cwhyu2** · 03-14-2009, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by AL_2007

I have an A.O. Smith and found the age after following this link:

http://www.rootermd.com/water-heater-age.htm

The link also shows how to find the age for few other water heater makes.

My 40 Gallon gas fired water heater is 20 years old installed by previous owners. I moved into the house a year ago. It seems to work fine, but it takes rather long time for the hot water to reach the shower in the morning. I wonder if there is any way to speed this up?
Also, what could go wrong in a heater of that age? Is there an age limit for such water heaters?

Yes
Tank rupture.
20 yrs is maxed out.
New water heater will save you a lot of bucks.If you replace it now,it may seem costly to install a new one ,but it will solve all of the above.Peace of mind.

**AL_2007** · 03-15-2009, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by cwhyu2

Yes
Tank rupture.
20 yrs is maxed out.
New water heater will save you a lot of bucks.If you replace it now,it may seem costly to install a new one ,but it will solve all of the above.Peace of mind.

Thanks for the info.
I am about to get a new tank from Lowes.
They are also doing an optional gadget for instant heating. I think this device works on electricity and is attached to the gas heater. But I am not so sure if I really need it. It costs an extra 200 bucks. I thought this device might be useful only if there is lack of hot water in the tank. But I am not so sure.

**kingsotall** · 03-15-2009, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by AL_2007

Thanks for the info.
I am about to get a new tank from Lowes.
They are also doing an optional gadget for instant heating. I think this device works on electricity and is attached to the gas heater. But I am not so sure if I really need it. It costs an extra 200 bucks. I thought this device might be useful only if there is lack of hot water in the tank. But I am not so sure.

Are you nuts¿!! Have you not read this thread¿ I even have "Lowes" highlighted for you wherever it has been mentioned in regards to the water heaters they sell.

**SewerRatz** · 03-15-2009, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by AL_2007

Thanks for the info.
I am about to get a new tank from Lowes.
They are also doing an optional gadget for instant heating. I think this device works on electricity and is attached to the gas heater. But I am not so sure if I really need it. It costs an extra 200 bucks. I thought this device might be useful only if there is lack of hot water in the tank. But I am not so sure.

Go to a local plumibng supply and buy a quailty heater.

**brother** · 03-15-2009, 07:45 PM

Ive actually put some in myself in my home before. I learned from a plumber that its good to put a 'date' in black permanant ink on the heater so you know the life of the heater.

The funny ones Ive seen is the ones that were 'installed' up in the attic, so when they leak, its a BIG MESS (ie ceiling). I told one guy that he had better get that heater moved/replaced before something happens. He says he has a leak detector, oh well.

**kingsotall** · 03-15-2009, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by SewerRatz

Go to a local plumibng supply and buy a quailty heater.

Would you believe one of the plumbing supply houses in town only sells American water heaters¿ I asked if they knew about all the problems and they acted suprised. Then recanted and said, "oh yeah, we had some reps talk to them about it and they (American) have since fixed that problem."

**AL_2007** · 03-15-2009, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by kingsotall

Are you nuts¿!! Have you not read this thread¿ I even have "Lowes" highlighted for you wherever it has been mentioned in regards to the water heaters they sell.

Thanks for the link. I agree that there are some serious pilot and ventilator issues to be considered. But I think the criticism against Lowes is a little too harsh. I consider them as nothing more than a middle sales agent. Some of the high end water heater they have are of more superior quality than that Whirlpool.

**kingsotall** · 03-15-2009, 09:00 PM

If you have a link share it! I'd be interested to see them.

**SewerRatz** · 03-15-2009, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by kingsotall

Would you believe one of the plumbing supply houses in town only sells American water heaters¿ I asked if they knew about all the problems and they acted suprised. Then recanted and said, "oh yeah, we had some reps talk to them about it and they (American) have since fixed that problem."

There was a supply house that carried them as well. After all the issues and headaches they switched to Bradford White.

**kingsotall** · 03-15-2009, 09:15 PM

One can only hope they do the same here.

**CHuntMD** · 03-19-2009, 11:24 AM

Rheem Fury NG 70gallon 17.5 years old

**Dunbar Plumbing** · 03-19-2009, 09:17 PM

Found out today that the fellow that I replaced his water heater and later found out his junk heater had a warranty, and the new one ended up in my house?

The guy's wife died of cancer last august. She couldn't take it anymore and it spread through her body. I was working directly across from his house today and wanted to strike a convo with him to let him know that he needs to drain his water heater to keep it in good shape,

I made the mistake of asking how his wife was doing, and then he told me.

It's of my nature to ask these things as I have personal reference to this disease and him and I spoke to some length about this when I was replacing his water heater.

I felt bad for him, knowing the pain has got to be rough, they was together over 35 years.

Makes a water heater under warranty found by accident pretty damn insignificant at this point.

I plan on sending a condolence card since I'm just now finding out about it. I couldn't go to funerals of my customers anyway; I'd be in a suit every damn week, there's that many I know at this point in my community. Know of 5 in just the past 5 weeks.