Hot Water Heater

[archerystud]

My hot water heater at the cabin has luke warm water now, my guess is that the top element is burnt out.

However here is my question. It's either 8/9 years old and it's a seasonal cabin so it is drained for the winter.

Is it more or less likely that it will spring a leak given the way the hot water heater is used.

Looks like a new element is pretty cheap so I'm leaning towards just fixing it. However I know it is getting to that age where it could start leaking as well. I think it's a GE or Rheem water heater.

[Tom7227]

Do you drain it in the winter? It would seem to me that should cut down on the deterioration. Maybe not give you a double life expectancy but more than 8 or 9 years. I would turn the water off to it when I wasn't there just to be safe.

[archerystud]

Yes I drain it every Fall and I have a shut off valve at the pressure tank that I shut off every time I leave.

I'm thinking for the price of the element if I get 2 more years out of it that I am way ahead.

[paceman]

A water heater 8-9 years old is not very old. I think mine is 16 years and still work well. If I was you I would just replace the element. heck it could work fine for another 10 years.......

[Archerysniper]

+1^^^^^^^^

[archerystud]

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm going to try replacing the element. It looks like an easy enough job.

[fastkaw]

Fix it. That said, check the voltage,amps when unit is on.

Make sure the thermostats/reset are in good shape, not burnt.

Last but not lest keep a eye out for when water heaters go on sale (chep)

Time will be on your side...

[fishin_spooge]

I used to work at a home improvement store, used to love when people asked where the "hot water heaters" are....if your water is hot already, why do you want to heat it more? I'll be here all night!!

[archerystud]

I'll do a continuity test on the element first and make sure that is what is burnt out.

[nobody05]

must have better water than I do. If i can get one to last more than 3 years I'm doing good! So my next one will be a plastic one.