Hot water heater leak

[LeonardY]

Here is good article of operating costs of different types of water heaters.

Comparing Water Heater Operating Costs - NY Engineers

One factor on deciding what water heater model to install next can come down to cost. This article will break down multiple operating expenses of water heaters.

www.ny-engineers.com

 

[steel 35]

I went from 50 to 42 and its 40K & Mine is more effectuate for sure,
May or may not work for you.
I Hate Cold water.
And leaks

 

[loganb]

I stepped up to 50 from 40 gal on my recent replacement. Our kids are young but as they get older it'll put a bigger demand on it. I bought a 12 yr tank so hope to get 15 out of it which will mean it needs to survive my kids high school years. I could care less if the kids get a not hot shower but don't want to hear about it from the wife!

 

[Sturgeon]

If your having trouble supplying enough hot water with a fifty gallon tank you mite want to consider turning up the temperature of tank, then install a tempering valve on tank. Your hot water will go much further, thus saving the cost of a much larger tank and altering the plumbing for it. Not to mention the extra power consumption.

 

[Fav Onefour]

If your having trouble supplying enough hot water with a fifty gallon tank you mite want to consider turning up the temperature of tank, then install a tempering valve on tank. Your hot water will go much further, thus saving the cost of a much larger tank and altering the plumbing for it. Not to mention the extra power consumption.

High heat settings can work for the intent of getting by with a smaller water heater.
I have not been able to successfully verify that it will save power.
Just to warn folks thinking about the idea. High heat is harder on the tank in long term. Glass lined versions do seem to hold up better, but it's a trade off on cost and there are no guarantees.

 

[TailGunner3000]

However, I know Home Depot models aren't as reliable as the ones professional plumbing companies get.

I'm curious as to how you "know" this.

 

[jdm5]

I have family in the wholesale HVAC industry. I can say with certainty many manufacturers work with Home Depot to hit specific price points, and thus have models specific to Home Depot type stores.

I’m not sure that translates necessarily to less reliable, but definitely less expensive components.

 

[johninct]

Mine went out 2 weeks ago, once it starts leaking the end is near and delaying the replacement just increases the chance of a more significant failure dumping 20 to 40 gallons out. Replace it as quickly as you feasibly can

Mine started to leak. I was really busy at the time and wanted to replace it in a few days . It didn't make it and the water ate the concrete floor a little.

 

[reader2580]

Here is good article of operating costs of different types of water heaters.

Comparing Water Heater Operating Costs - NY Engineers

One factor on deciding what water heater model to install next can come down to cost. This article will break down multiple operating expenses of water heaters.

www.ny-engineers.com

Are households really spending $1,800 per year just to heat water with natural gas? My gas bill for the entire year is half that and my gas bill is for both heating and hot water.

 

[loganb]

Are households really spending $1,800 per year just to heat water with natural gas? My gas bill for the entire year is half that and my gas bill is for both heating and hot water.

Family of 2 adults, and 2 kids under 5 in the midwest....based off summer gas usage where the water heater is the only thing running we use about 70 cents per day for actual gas costs to heat water. That's taking out the fees, account charges, 2021 polar vortex surcharge and just the gas and transport costs of that gas. If I look at the total bill...it's closer to 1.20 a day. That was on our 40 gal tank type, 12 yr old water heater

So in my case...$1,800 a year is insane for heating water only. I just checked and my total 2022 gas bill for the entire year, which includes a gas high efficiency furnace to heat a 15 year old 3k+ sq ft house and a fireplace in addition to the water heater was only $1,400 and change. This year is tracking comparably to a bit higher but still shouldn't get to $1,800 for heat and water