My water tank, which is of great age, is almost dead, I have no idea what to do next

[irisblue]

I currently have a gas heated tank, I've read this article
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21015245/hot-water-heater-buying-guide


I did call city code & asked if the city inspectors come as who ever replaces the tank finishes the work to make sure the gas lines are properly connected, he tap danced around that but did tell me a permit was $75. I'm willing to pay that, I am not interested in having my house blow up ( happened to a neighbor when I was a kid, big memory).

I know I will get another 40 gallon tank again. I did look into getting a heat on demand syste, but the guy quoted a $5000 moving gas lines for a 50+yr old house, I'm not able to pay that.

Do I go to a big hardware store? Do I call a plumbing company?

Help me, I want a long hot shower again.
Thx

[Xoan]

1. Lowes and Home Depot typically stock them ...

installation is usually available.

[irisblue]

3. Have you bought thru them?

[CrispyQ]

9. We've used Lowes a couple of times with success.

But only windows & two outside doors, no plumbing or electrical. If you're on Nextdoor your neighbors might have referrals.

[Shellback Squid]

2. I had mine replaced in 2020, $1600 parts and labor, AO Smith Tank commercial grade

[irisblue]

4. Who did you use? A plumbing company? Hardware store guy? Private guy?

[Shellback Squid]

5. Lowes, they arranged the contractor

[WmChris]

6. Test

Just make sure any fitting that was loosened and retightened or replaced is checked with soapy water for leaks. Any certified installers will do this as a matter of routine.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Make sure the installer is a licensed plumber.

[Auggie]

13. I second this: a licensed plumber

[Midnight Writer]

15. I third this. Plumbers do this routinely.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

8. had mine replaced last year for $1300..Hot Water Tank company

[Kali]

10. it isn't really a hard job

flex line for the gas makes that part super easy. of course I am in the sticks where I really don't have much choice.

[MerryHolidays]

11. We did this last year

Yes, Lowes and Home Depot can do it (usually same day).

We went through a water heater company which had the best price (and excellent reviews on multiple sources). Price shop, check reviews (making sure they are legit), and then go for it.

This is pretty standard, and the work can be done quickly.

We looked at a tankless water heater option too, but, like with you, it was going to be too expensive and not really worth it.

[ret5hd]

12. $5000 seems high for a tankless install...

I’d get another quote or two (from licensed plumbers of course). Using flex lines makes that a simple job.

We have a gas tankless, and I wouldn’t go back.

The only downside is the number of simultaneous uses…we can’t

take a shower
wash a load of hot laundry
and run a hot load in the dishwasher

all at the same time.

But really…how often do you need to do all 3 at the same time?

[MerryHolidays]

14. In our case, the gas line was very far from the meter

That would mean (according to the plumber) that the BTUs would fluctuate too much. Please you have to have electricity all the time. If the power goes out, I don't think the tankless heater works.

Our estimated cost was something over $7000.

For the right kind of install, yes, I think it's a great idea. But for us, it simply wouldn't work, and the cost was so much higher than an ordinary water heater.

[SheltieLover]

16. Go tankless if you can. Much more energy efficient

Btw, you shouldnp't need a permit to replace an existing appliance! Call around to plumbers & ask!

[TygrBright]

17. The folks who do our annual maintenance on the heating system...

...are a local "Plumbing and Heating" company. I will totally give them first crack at it when we replace.

If you know a similar company locally or can get recommendations from neighbors, you could start there.

helpfully,
Bright

[OAITW r.2.0]

18. I'm thinking about installing an electric hot water heater.

The wrinkle here is that I want to tie the HW heater into my solar panel circuit so I can shut down my oil furnace for 6-8 months a year. I am guessing that I'd have to insert the the new unit to my furnace HW out line. In the winter, the furnace HW would flow into the electric HW heater and wouldn't require additional electricity to keep the water hot.

[Ohiya]

19. We had a good experience with Water Heaters Plus in Worthington Ohio

6330 Proprietors Rd. Suite A Worthington OH 43085
[e-mail]

614-905-0195