Wanted: Long Tank Life

[brasche]

I have a few residential rentals and want to proactively replace the aging 2nd floor electric water heaters before the tanks leak. I'm ready to pay more for quality but I'm having a hard time finding quality lowboys that will fit in a confined space (23w x 27d x 38h).

I've seen that A.O. Smith and Bradford White have lowboys with 10 year warranties. Are these tanks long lived? Are there better choices?

Thanks for helping. Brian Rasche, Orlando, FL

[ballvalve]

Most are long lived if you service them and upgrade to the biggest anode possible. See these links.

http://fierychill.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=anode

http://www.inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Hot_Water.htm

Buy the longest, fattest rod and drop the off cut into the heater.

[jadnashua]

I might end up cheaper to just proactively replace the things on a regular basis. Some rated for very long life are quite a bit more expensive than others. A good sacraficial anode definately helps - it's the same technology that prevents a ship, bridge, or bouy from rusting away to nothing in the lakes/oceans. But, it must be maintained. Some condo/apartment houses mandate periodic replacement to preclude group water damages and minimize potential service calls.

[brasche]

Thank you both. Soon I will be replacing the anodes in many of my first floor tanks.

[ballvalve]

If you have head room and a impact wrench....

And get a DEEP drain pan and a reliable drain on it.