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August 7, 2007
Water Heater Woes
Q: Hi, Ed, I'm a contractor, and I enjoy your column. Recently I read a question in your column about you saying that rusty hot water from the faucet can be caused by a water heater on its way out. You recommended they install a new water heater. Please remember that rust from your water heater is not always from a bad tank ready to rupture. It can be caused by a deteriorating anode rod inside the tank. When rust starts to appear, have a professional remove the old anode rod, pick up the right size and install a new anode rod. If the rust stops after a few days you would have saved a costly replacement of your water heater. Rod (Nevada)
A: First off, Rod, you have the perfect name to address this issue! For those who don't know, an anode rod is a protection device to prolong tank life for a water heater.
I agree with everything you said but must point out that, especially with an older tank, it may not be cost-effective to try to troubleshoot the problem. In many areas of the country, the labor costs may be less expensive to simply swap out an older water heater with a new one than to make two or three trips trying to figure out how to fix a used tank.
It all gets down to what the homeowner and local plumber feel is the most cost effective way to solve a problem. A good contractor like Rod will help you make the correct decisions for your area. Keep up the good work!
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by Ed Del Grande at August 7, 2007 3:56 PM
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