Originally Posted By: rray This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
dvalley wrote:
This unit is at the end of its servicable life.
It depends on the condition, location, etc.
Definitely not true out here in San Diego. We have quite a few mid-'60s to mid-'80s water heaters that are going strong due to locating them in the garage or interior in a dry San Diego environment.
I had a 1978 at yesterday's inspection that was in absolutely excellent shape. Client asked if it was ready to go out. I told him that "anything can fail at any time, new or old. Since the burners were in excellent shape, the casing was in excellent shape, and the thermostat was set at the manufacturer's recommended setting (indicating that the water heater was heating water to a sufficient degree to be used throughout the structure), I would note in my report that all was well. Then, with his homeowner's insurance policy covering the water heater, and with me not noting any pre-existing conditions, if it did fail, his insurance should cover it. But read the fine print in your insurance policy."
Interesting in that the seller stated that a new dishwasher had been installed and the installation professional tested the water temperature and found 126?F. Manufacturer's recommended settings are typically for 125?F.