AboutSharon McCarthy Expertise I can help with most questions about residential plumbing problems including septic systems, and some questions about irrigation. I have no experience with commercial installations or codes.
Experience I have been a sole-proprietor service plumber in two small towns north of Phoenix Arizona for 26 years.
Publications I had a monthly column in the United Steelworkers of America, local 1033, newsletter 1978 to 1982. I wrote an article for "The Theosophist" in 1977. I've written dozens of letters to the editor in many newspapers.
Education/Credentials High school and three years of college. My step-father, having worked 40 years in the plumbing trade in Chicago, taught me for two years. The rest has been hands-on experience.
Past/Present Clients Many hundreds of good people in Cave Creek and Carefree Arizona
Question Hi Sharon, I have a couple of general questions regarding replacing my 15 year old 52 gallon electric water heater. The first has to do with size. It seems that there are no more 52 gallon tanks sold only 50 gallon in that category. We are only 2 people but my 52 gallon tank just handled about 6 showers for grandchildren visit which is a plus. If I end up with a 50 gallon tank will the 2 gallons be moticeable?
Sears does sell a 55 gallon tank which I would prefer since we would be adding capacity but the tank is an additional 10 inches taller which, even though it will fit in the existing space, will have the top of the tank almost exactly where the water pipes exit the wall which could present an installation problem.
Lastly, most of these tanks come with a 6,9 or 12 year warranty with price differences as much as $100 between them. The move up from a 6 year warranty to a 9 or 12 appears to be about an inch of insulation and a water miser monitor. The latter sounds like something else to break. The heater elements , tank etc. all seem to be exactly the same. I did notice on the 55 gallon tanks that 2 anodes instead of one are included. We live near the ocean with very soft water so would that be worth the expense? Any other thoughts would be appreciated that would affect our buying decision. I plan to install the tank myself as it seems pretty straight forward.
Answer Dear Jack,
You live near the ocean! How wonderful! I really don't think you'd notice the difference between 50 and 52 gallons. I alway wondered why that size tank was 52 gallons, rather than 50. They go 20, 30, 40, then 52[??], then 65, then 80 [last two generally commercial sizes], generally.
As far as the warranty is concerned, I think the added expense of a longer warranty is usually a waste. Almost all tanks are made the same way, an outer iron tank, and an inner fiberglass liner. The liner is what prevents the water from rusting through the outer tank.
If the liner develops a pin hole or small crack, the water will seep out and come in contact with the iron tank, which will eventually rust through. This is what causes tanks to leak.
There is no way to predict this. In my area the water is really hard, full of minerals and very corrosive. I've seen water heaters last anywhere from 8 to 35 years! It's a gamble for the homeowner, basically. I think the manufacturers figure the liner will hold up past the longest amount of time on a warranty and if the liner does seep they'll cover the cost. So it's a gamble for them as well.
My thought is that the liner will last a long time, but, as with all products, there could be a flaw in a few of them. When the fiberglass is moulded into a liner, in some cases there might be a weak spot, something like that, and this is where a leak might occur later.
In this area, with the hard water, I'd guess the average tank lasts 18 or 20 years. Well over the best warranty. As I said, it's a gamble, but I think the odds are in your favor. Hope this helped! Sharon
