Water Heaters - Gas WH - Did I cause it an early death?

I am replacing a Bradford White 30 gallon gas tank-type water heater. The old one only lasted 6 years before the tank started leaking. It is strange, because at times I would see a little water under it, and then it would all dry up. A year later year it had started making a nice puddle underneath, and is a gonner. We have a water softener. I did get 7 years total from the heater.

I pulled the magnesium anode on the old heater just to see what was left. It was totally gone Only the wire was left. I had never checked the anode since it is in the hot water port, and a pain (IMO) to check out. I did drain out some water each year. I had it plumbed in galvanized iron pipe, which would have made it a little harder to take apart.

I had a Backflow Preventer Valve in the cold water line, but no thermal expansion tank. I understand the need for it, NOW.

I am now installing a thermal expansion tank with the new water heater, and using flexible stainless steel lines on cold & hot side. Hoping it will simplify checking that anode, or in replacing the heater at a later date. However I am very disappointed how B/W has done their anode. It appears I will ruin the threads when I take out the original anode to check it. There is just no room to get a pipe wrench on it! (On the old one there was room for a pipe wrench.)

I am wondering if I actually caused my old heater tank to die an early death due to my lack of maintenance and by not having a thermal expansion tank?

.)

I am wondering if I actually caused my old heater tank to die an early death due to my lack of maintenance and by not having a thermal expansion tank?



The lack of an expansion tank when it's needed typically causes the pressure relief valve to open when the water pressure spikes, allowing some water to be discharged until the pressure is reduced.

So that is unlikely to have contributed to the demise of the tank.

Replacing the anode probably would contribute to tank longevity. The main obstacle to checking anodes is that manufacturers usually screw those in so hard that they are often extremely difficult to remove. The twisting motion needed to remove them can literally be back breaking, and can cause a herniated disc and severe pain.

My suggestion --- remove the anode before you install the water tank, and then reinstall it without overtightening it. Buy an extra anode so you will have it available, and pull the anode in three years or so for an inspection --- change it out if its noticably corroded.

I have 22 years of use on a couple of water heaters installed in 1987 with one anode change out at year 15, and even then they were corroded all the way.


Seattle Pioneer

You were using a socket set and a wrench to remove the anode? If it's hard to remove, use a longer wrench or a cheater bar to get more leverage.

Mind your back.

You were using a socket set and a wrench to remove the anode? If it's hard to remove, use a longer wrench or a cheater bar to get more leverage.

Mind your back.

They add insult to injury on the Bradford-White water heaters. They put a the Anode in the Hot water port. So you have to disconnect the hot water line. And to top it off the Anode nipple is so short that I can only see 1/4" of it below the threads.:mad:
The maintenance manual (pdf online from Bradford-White) says to use the "appropriate" wrench and be careful not to damage the threads. It appears they have purposely designed it so once the anode is taken out it WILL be ruined.

I think I read somewhere the the new replacement anode has a little longer nipple. I surely do hope so! I will probably stop by my plumbing supply house tomorrow and talk to the salesman. :rolleyes:

The only reason I bought the Bradford-White is that on the Internet so many people had trouble with the "Box Store" brands. Lots of trouble with pilot lights etc. Not so much tank leaks. If I have big problems maintaining this thing and it doesn't last 8 to 10 years, I will be looking for another make next time.

My condolances.


Just guessing, but since few people maintain their water heater anodes, perhaps the manufacturer figured they could save themselves the cost of the customary separate opening in the tank for an anode.

Sounds unfortunate.

Meanwhile, my water heater and that in my rental house are still doing fine though they were built while Ronald Reagan was in the White House.


AO Smith, for what that's worth.