School me on water heaters.

[Justin]

So, the water heater in my house was installed around 1997 or so, and it's been slowly but surely getting worse at staying hot over the years, and I think it's time for a new one.

I know basically zero about these things, and would appreciate any recommendations on brands for natural gas water heaters.

I'm fairly certain I want to stick with a 40 or 50 gallon tank-based water heater, as the tankless models all seem to be quite expensive and would require professional installation.

If anyone has recommendations on which brands to buy, or which to avoid, that would be great. Also, is this something I can do myself as a weekend project?

Thanks!

[CS1983]

I’m no help on brands, but yes this is a few hour project at most, assuming the normal conditions. Just YouTube and make sure you have all the right parts and tools first.

[ChickNorris]

^^^

What CavSct said. Easy enough.

Same size makes it even less of a hassle.

[jamesm7485]

Avoid Rheem IMO our's was 5 years old when we moved into the house and was replaced 2 years ago at 7 years old. The warranty replacement just sprung a gnarly leak from the drain valve and they have been a pain in the ass to deal with.

[OldFogey]

If it has a honeywell controller, and it seems like most of them do, be sure to flush the heater every 6 months or so. Once the controller faults and gives you the 5 flashes, you have to replace the controller (~$100 last time I had to do it).

[Gman]

I've got a GE branded Rheem from Home Depot that has been working well. Was much wider than the old unit due to the extra insulation. I noticed a drop in my gas bills right away. Had to add an expansion tank to get it up to the current code.

[BladesNBarrels]

If it has a honeywell controller, and it seems like most of them do, be sure to flush the heater every 6 months or so. Once the controller faults and gives you the 5 flashes, you have to replace the controller (~$100 last time I had to do it).

Thanks for the reminder. I used to do it monthly when I changed the furnace filter.
Had the furnace replaced and the new electronic air filter lets me know when it needs to be disassembled, washed, and reinstalled. About every 6-8 months.

[DFBrews]

Bradford white from Ferguson made in the USA

[CobaltSkink]

Have you flushed any sediment from the tank?

[Wulf202]

If you have a floor drain plan on removing the drain bib and poking the sediment out. Older units clog up easily.

You can try power flushing it before you cut off the water supply but they'll usually clog up anyways.

As mentioned newer units have thicker insulation so they're bigger in all directions this may cause difficulty if they're next to something or behind a doorway that is smaller

Is it gas or electric?

If its gas, stand next to it when it's running and listen. The popping noise is calcium and sediment in the bottom expanding under heat
The more and louder the pops the more junk inside.