WaGuns.org

Gas 50 gallon water heater is 10 years old and developed a slow leak at the base (not at the valve but somewhere along the seam/base). It's on a pedestal and I have a bucket catching the water now. Temp solution.

I am about to replace it and install a new used gas water heater, same size/design.

I'd like to do this myself. Gonna tackle some videos and reading on doing it.

For those that have done it, anything important to pay particular attention to, any special skills or tools needed, any tricks or tips? 1-10 how difficult is this?

I had the same issue with my hot water heater. Was leaking at the base and had to replace it. Gas water heater. I got mine from Home Depot. Match the size and installed it very quickly. You only have three connections. Water in water out and where the gas goes. The only extra materials I need was the gas line approved pipe dope. Turn the water off. Then bleed the line of excess water. Turn the gas off. Take out the old gas water heater. Then reinstall the new one.

I'd recommend a tank-less instant water heater.

SFCRMSA wrote:I had the same issue with my hot water heater. Was leaking at the base and had to replace it. Gas water heater. I got mine from Home Depot. Match the size and installed it very quickly. You only have three connections. Water in water out and where the gas goes. The only extra materials I need was the gas line approved pipe dope. Turn the water off. Then bleed the line of excess water. Turn the gas off. Take out the old gas water heater. Then reinstall the new one.

Drain tank before moving

Install an expansion tank also if you don't have one aready.

Turn off gas
Turn off water to the house
Open hot water tap in kitchen or bath
Drain h/w heater
Not a bad idea to swap to the flexible water in/out lines at this point
Remove gas, water fittings.
Use gas tape on new gas line if applicable (yellow)
Use "teflon tape" on plumbing fittings
Turn water back on to the house
Let water come out of faucet until steady, then turn off
Check for leaks
Turn on gas
Check for leaks (dish soap is good to pour on your connections for this)
Done

twolane wrote:Turn off gas
Turn off water to the house
Open hot water tap in kitchen or bath
Drain h/w heater
Not a bad idea to swap to the flexible water in/out lines at this point
Remove gas, water fittings.
Use gas tape on new gas line if applicable (yellow)
Use "teflon tape" on plumbing fittings
Turn water back on to the house
Let water come out of faucet until steady, then turn off
Check for leaks
Turn on gas
Check for leaks (dish soap is good to pour on your connections for this)
Done

yep pretty spot on

garden hose to get the last of it out at the bottom

Go tankless if you have natural gas or propane. A single person household is throwing money away with a 50 gallon tank.

I don't think you could move it if it was still full of water. Probably weigh over 800 pounds.
Added: Make sure the water cools down first, could get the garden hose so hot it pulls off the fitting leaving you with a real mess.

Arisaka wrote:Drain tank before moving

I appreciate the suggestions for tankless.

Having looked into it, average savings is $100 per year.

https://energy.gov/energysaver/tankless ... er-heaters

ENERGY STAR® estimates that a typical family can save $100 or more per year with an ENERGY STAR qualified tankless water heater.

Tankless heaters cost more and last longer. I doubt I'll be in this house another 10 years, so I'd lose any long-term tankless benefit.

And there's cost.

The initial cost of a tankless water heater is greater than that of a conventional storage water heater, but tankless water heaters will typically last longer and have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset its higher purchase price. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10–15 years.

Having priced them out - the tankless are $800-1000.

Tank heater was far less expensive.

It would take 8 trouble free years to break even on a tankless. I don't think I'll be in house that long and if so, in 8 years I can go tankless...

Sounds like a solid plan. Changing out a tank is pretty easy. I'm sure you can handle it. A metal recycling place should take your old one.

leadcounsel wrote:
I am about to replace it and install a new used gas water heater......

????????

Used or new? Unless it's barely used and free.

I wouldn't install a used water heater.
Like buying a used hard drive.
Any savings comes back ten fold in PITA.

OhShoot! wrote:Install an expansion tank also if you don't have one aready.

I kept hearing 'get tankless, get tankless" from everyone too.

I just got an Energy Star 50 gal tank type that has electric damper on the flue pipe up the center. Also has a safety sensor that won't allow the burner to lite off if there is explosive gas vapor in the area. With the extra insulation due to Energy Star certification I watched my gas bill go down and I never run out of hot water. Cost difference makes no sense unless you have 6 kids

Definitely add Expansion Tank if not equipped and if the old one is, consider replacing it anyway. At least remove it and see how much water is trapped between tank and ruptured diaphragm.

Last item, Seismic Anchor Straps. If the house is old enough they are probably there due to code changes. If not, add them just because. Not expensive but since we're due for another "shaker" why not be ready ---------- especially with a gas water heater.