Got up this morning to a rusty puddle at the bottom of the water heater. All of the fittings, valves, drain line, etc. look good and I can see water under the unit (there's a slight gap), so I assume the tank is leaking. This water heater is about 25 yrs old, 82 gallon capacity (that's not a typo... 82 gallons on the tag), made by Sears.
I figure I'm looking at a replacement and have a couple of questions, mostly about replacement options. However, first... how critical is this? I will do it very soon, but can I wait until the weekend (it's Thursday PM as I write this)? The leak is a slow seep, and it flows directly to the floor drain, about 3 ft away. Or should I try to get it done today or tomorrow? Or do I need to shut off the water line and electric ASAP?
Now about options: It's just my wife and I at home. We have a newer dish washer (Bosch) and 5 yr old, front load washing machine. Low flow shower heads. Neither of us take long showers, though she will take a bath occasionally. We rarely run more than one major item plus a sink at any one time. We are on city water. We live in southern Ohio, so a moderate amount of input cooling in the winter. The current heater is electric, on a 240 V line with 2 X 30 amp breakers (updated service panel). There is no gas to the house. House heat comes from wood (of course) and an oil burner baseboard system. There is no AC.
After spending the past few hours on the interwebs, I've pretty much decided against a tankless. Doesn't seem like there's a lot of benefit, except for smaller size, and some drawbacks.
Now I'm looking comparing a hybrid with a more traditional type tank heater. Pretty much settling on the 40 or 50 gal size, depending on brand/model. The hybrids claim huge energy savings, and with local and national rebates, I can get about $600 back. That brings the cost to within a few hundred of standard types. Main question is would I get much real increased efficiency? The heater will be in the basement, with the furnace and washer/dryer, but that room never does get very warm. I'm guessing low 70's during the hottest parts of summer (like now) and a bit lower the rest of the year. When the furnace is running, that room can be pleasantly warm, but never hot. Any guess on how much actual "heat pumping" we would achieve?
Also, what about this Rheem Marathon water heater? The price seems high... what am I getting?
Other thoughts, ideas, suggestions?
Thanks!
I figure I'm looking at a replacement and have a couple of questions, mostly about replacement options. However, first... how critical is this? I will do it very soon, but can I wait until the weekend (it's Thursday PM as I write this)? The leak is a slow seep, and it flows directly to the floor drain, about 3 ft away. Or should I try to get it done today or tomorrow? Or do I need to shut off the water line and electric ASAP?
Now about options: It's just my wife and I at home. We have a newer dish washer (Bosch) and 5 yr old, front load washing machine. Low flow shower heads. Neither of us take long showers, though she will take a bath occasionally. We rarely run more than one major item plus a sink at any one time. We are on city water. We live in southern Ohio, so a moderate amount of input cooling in the winter. The current heater is electric, on a 240 V line with 2 X 30 amp breakers (updated service panel). There is no gas to the house. House heat comes from wood (of course) and an oil burner baseboard system. There is no AC.
After spending the past few hours on the interwebs, I've pretty much decided against a tankless. Doesn't seem like there's a lot of benefit, except for smaller size, and some drawbacks.
Now I'm looking comparing a hybrid with a more traditional type tank heater. Pretty much settling on the 40 or 50 gal size, depending on brand/model. The hybrids claim huge energy savings, and with local and national rebates, I can get about $600 back. That brings the cost to within a few hundred of standard types. Main question is would I get much real increased efficiency? The heater will be in the basement, with the furnace and washer/dryer, but that room never does get very warm. I'm guessing low 70's during the hottest parts of summer (like now) and a bit lower the rest of the year. When the furnace is running, that room can be pleasantly warm, but never hot. Any guess on how much actual "heat pumping" we would achieve?
Also, what about this Rheem Marathon water heater? The price seems high... what am I getting?
Other thoughts, ideas, suggestions?
Thanks!
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