I ended up paying $1000 in replacing the water heater since it's gas and power vented. Should I switch to electric water heaters since those are cheaper to buy and will last longer than power vent gas heaters? --65.118.xxx.xxx

--73.33.xxx.xxx

Would be a good idea to replace it with a electric water heater than a Gas heater? Electric heaters are cheaper to buy and my tenant will pay for the electric bill. Elecric ones have longer warranty and also do not have to worry about venting. --65.118.xxx.xxx

Jaindesi, Seeing you've had so much trouble and expense,perhaps you should look into the electric tankless water heaters.I don't know too much about them.But at least you won't have 50 0r 60 gallons of water coming down from a busted tank. They're my next item of endeavor. Back where I'm from they think we're nuts to keep heating a big tank of water over and over again. Good luck with whatever you decide. Charlie................................ --70.215.x.xxx

I was also thinking about tankless water heater as well. What would be cost for electric tankless where there is no vent require? I am asking way too many questions here. I hope I can get proper help. --65.118.xxx.xxx

When in the US they start to phase out coal fired electrical generating power stations then watch the price of electricity double to triple during peak times. Consider a power vented gas demand heater which mounts on the wall along with taking up less space. Demand water heaters last at least fifteen years instead of the five to ten years a tank water heater lasts. Cost up front is more but down the road having a vacancy is going to cost a lot more. Here it is less then half the cost to operate natural gas for heating, cooking and clothes dryers. Most tank type water heaters are made up metal with a glass lining which has a consumable anode. Once the anode is consumed the glass lining wears out where the metal is exposed to water. The tank then starts to rust through. --74.220.xxx.xxx

Can I check for Anode rod in the 2nd floor heater and change it. Maybe that will extend the life and I can wait few more months before replacing? --65.118.xxx.xxx

The anode rod is located on top of tank where one is going to need socket to remove. One can buy a anode rod at a plumbing supply wholesale operation. Also don't forget to flush the tank as when sediment builds up the heat transfer is effected. Run a hose then open the drain valve to see the condition of the water at the bottom of the tank. Flush until the water is clear. --74.220.xxx.xxx

Hi. The tankless ones put a sudden huge drain on whatever they are running on. An inspector told me they were trying to track down a guy who was putting them all over and they were the gas powered ones. On cold winter nights when gas usage was high, there was no hot water. --73.33.xxx.xxx

I put in several electric tankless w/h, they work great when they work, but none lasted over three years. I went thru five of them. You have to run a #6 wire from your panel for the ones I bought (Titan, made in Fla). It might be the hard well water that killed mine, I went back to standing tanks. --76.6.xx.xx

I try getting a quote on a Gas tankless and it's so expensive to install. Close to $4/5K initial cost. I think I rather spend the money to put a proper drain around the tank so I have a less of a damage when the water heaters starts to leak. --65.118.xxx.xxx

Jandesi,I'd get a couple of prices. Check out Steibel Electron Tempra they're out of Western. Massachusetts Perhaps buy your own tankless and have your own electrician hook it up, seems like your getting the wrong end of the stick.Not good? Charlie.......................... --70.215.x.xxx

@cjo'h I would have to spend extra to run wires for the electric tankless. Do you recommend a model from this brand. This floor has one bathroom and occupies a couple and a small kid. I am sure the main cost will running new wiring to handle the load. --65.118.xxx.xxx

Does anyone know what I can use to protect my house from Water heater leaks? I know they have drip pans which you can use under the heater. I am worried when it breaks while no one is home. How well do the water leak alarms work? --65.118.xxx.xxx

jaindesi,Those water alarms are supposed to be very good, but you'ld have to show the tenant where the water shutoff valve is should there ever be a leak.That pan under a heater has a little overflow coupling that you should hook up to an little overflow pipe connected to a waste line in your kitchen or whichever one is the the closest to your water heater. Play it by ear as the old time fiddler said. I wouldn't get too upset by it.I had an water tank last for over 40 some years that had supposedly a seven or so life span.It's a numbers game, just like the powerball or mega millions.some day we might hit it, just don't hold your breath. Charlie................................. --70.215.x.xxx