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trekrobyn · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Baltimore, MD - USA

I just moved into a house with an oil-fired hot water tank that is 11 years old.

I know from a recent oil service inspection that there is some sediment and rust in the tank, although I don't see any in the water coming out of the taps

Do you recommend replacing a hot water heater at a certain number of years old automatically, to prevent a situation where the tank rusts through and floods my basement, or do you feel that one should wait until there is a definite problem (small leak, discolored water) until replacing? If you would say automatically replace, at how many years old would you just replace a tank?

Just wanted an opinion from someone who wasn't directly trying to sell me a new tank... Smile

Thanks!

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4753 Location: Bath

Depends on make and model, but 10years for some would be considered old.

Yours is unlikely to just burst and cause a flood without first showing signs of a leak.

If it looks bad and passed it's sell by date then in theory you should consider replacing it.

Is it covered by your household insurance or does it have to make a mess first if you know what I mean.

scruff