Water heater questions

[LeeG]

I've been noticing that my showers are not as hot as they used to be. Finally got out and moved all the stuff we keep stacked in front of the water heater and this is what I see.


I put this unit in in 2006, and have replaced the heating elements a few times, but it looks like time for a new one. The issue is the space it is in - only 22" wide.
The new 50 gallon units are wider, unless I go with the tall version, which would require moving some plumbing.



There's plenty of room above (3-4') so I could put in a larger unit, but it would mean elbowing the existing connections up some. I could downsize to a 40 gallon and have physically the same size unit as I have now, but not really sure of the practical differences. There are just 2 of us here, but I like long showers. I'd appreciate any input on brands and anything else. I have done plumbing, but just enough to be dangerous.

Lee

 

[mikedodge]

Could you remove the raised part it's sitting on? If it were mine I'd rather do that if I could then block the plumbing. Unless the taller one is a lot thinner it looks like it won't clear the pipes anyway.

 

[LeeG]

Could you remove the raised part it's sitting on? If it were mine I'd rather do that if I could then block the plumbing. Unless the taller one is a lot thinner it looks like it won't clear the pipes anyway.

I probably could, but it would require some discovery on what is under there now. It was built that way with the house. I might drill a hole down there and stick in an inspection camera.

 

[nadogail]

I have found that there are different physical sizes for water heaters of the same gallon capacity.

When buying a replacement heater for a rental I have learned to measure the height and width of the tank I will be replacing.

I have only brought the wrong size heater to the job site one time.

 

[Mike65]

Did you try checking the sizing of a tankless water heater to see if it would fit in there?

 

[Jackfre]

That raaised shelf complies with the building codes. It is largely to prevent people from filling the lawn mower and sliding the gas can across the floor which then hits the gas water heater with its exposed flame and, well, call the fire dept. New gas water whtrs are sealed combustion but once this lift requirement got into the code it is there forever, because there may be one left. Net/net lowering that shelf puts you in a spot with your homeowners insurance. They are not there to help you, they are there to deny coverage if they can. In your circumstance without a gas line, I’d suggest you speak with the utility to see if any rebates are out there for heat pump water heating and I’d go that way.

 

[LeeG]

It is an electric water heater. No gas available at all in my part of town. The space is 22" wide. It is currently 19" off the ground and I have 30" of free space above the current unit. Electric water heaters do not have a height requirement off the floor.
I am looking at a Rheem Performance (XE50T06CG45U0) which is 20 1/4" wide x 58 1/2" high. I'd have to lower the base by 10". A new 40 gallon version of that same unit would be the same size (Rheem made the units for GE I believe).

When doing this replacement, I'll switch out the current gate valve with a quarter turn.

 

[larry4406]

It is an electric water heater. No gas available at all in my part of town. The space is 22" wide. It is currently 19" off the ground and I have 30" of free space above the current unit. Electric water heaters do not have a height requirement off the floor.

Careful….

The thermostats are viewed as an arc source to my knowledge. Arc might go boom.

Check the manual for the exact electric WH to be installed and do as it says.

 

[mike93lx]

I'd open the wall and redo the plumbing before trying to cut out the base.

 

[paulsomlo]

This would be a good time to look at heat pump water heaters, since you're tied to electric. More efficient, although greater complexity.

 

[u2slow]

If a smaller one fits, you may have the option of 3800W instead of 3000W. (Home Depot tried to upsell me on the 3800W in April this year.) I did find my replacement was 2" larger OD for the same volume due to being better insulated.

Or its may be possible to swap 3800-4500W elements into the smaller tank yourself.

 

[LeeG]

This would be a good time to look at heat pump water heaters, since you're tied to electric. More efficient, although greater complexity.

I thought about that, but our overall electric bill is under $200/mo - even in the summer. The ROI would be much longer than the 2-3 years we plan on remaining in this house. The supply house near me has a Bradford White (slightly narrower) and I'll go pick it up in the morning and just elbow up the feeds and be done with it.

 

[no704]

How much taller is the same size in the tall configuration? Looks like you have plenty of room and flexible connections.

 

[LeeG]

Thanks everyone for the insight. I got it finished over the weekend. It really took me more time to clear all the **** from around it than it did to actually do the work. I posted details over on my garage thread if anyone is interested.

Lee