I am buying a house and the water heater is the orginal water heater. The house was built in 1991, making the water heater about 15 years old. I was told the average lifespan for a water heater is 10-12 years. My house inspector looked at it and said there was no current issues. Should I be concerned about getting it replaced or asking for an allowance for a new one?
2007-05-30 04:17:25 · 11 answers · asked by wrsfrvr 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I would try and make that part of the Deal, its definitely due. Your inspector should have said he sees no current physical problem with it , but due to the age it may need to be replaced at anytime. Depending on electric or Gas and size etc a new heater installed will probably run you around 500 bucks
2007-05-30 04:23:02 · answer #1 · answered by EGOman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your inspectors comment meant that it isn't currently leaking. No more, no less. You are correct (even a little high) about the lifespan of water heaters. If it has been properly maintained (drained and flushed once a year) it could last longer. Doubtful you will be able to negotiate on this item but you can try.
2007-05-30 04:23:40 · answer #2 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is old and if you can work it in the deal all the better.
I would get a leak sensor and put it next to the tank to let you know if the tank starts to fail. They cost around $30 and I would put one in even with a new heater.
Of note is the fact that a heater that old is not as efficient as a new model and the energy savings alone could pay for a new heater in just a few years.
2007-05-30 04:37:18 · answer #3 · answered by Jim D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can see your meter, take a look and see how fast the meter is running, then turn off the circuit breaker to the hot water tank and then take another look. See if it slows. Do that with all electric appliances, maybe you can figure it out. We have a Sepco stone lined water tank. It had a computer on it, that allowed it to heat just certains times of the day, the computer went bad, and we didn't notice it. Our electric bill was $300.00. It also kicked the breaker out. We had a plumber come out, the first one had no idea what the problem was, the second one, removed the computer. In the meantime, it has ruined the circuit breaker. That had to be replaced, our electric bill went back to normal. We have a total electric home. If you suspect it is the hot water tank, ask the landlord, how long it has been since it has been flushed out.
2016-05-17 04:40:14 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"No current issues" is what you need to pay attention to. Having already exceeded its expected life you will have problems. The only question is when. Also keep in mind that a 16 year-old water heater is probably not very efficiant. If you cannot negotiate a new unit with the seller, repace it anyway with a new energy star model. You will recoup the cost in short order.
2007-05-30 04:28:59 · answer #5 · answered by Wordsmith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
10 years is about max for those things before they start to act like a Mercedes with over 60/k miles on it. Fine one day, junk the next. I would ask them for a new one, because you will need it soon.
PS - have the hot water tested for bacteria. That is reason enough to replace something that has pooled water since the 90's.
2007-05-30 04:21:16 · answer #6 · answered by 3am 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you NEED (for strategic reasons) to raise an issue, you might but if I were the seller, I'd laugh at you.
2007-05-30 04:25:46 · answer #7 · answered by DelK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd ask for a new one. It's past its prime. It could last anorther 3 years, but then again, it could blow tomorrow.
2007-05-30 04:21:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the cost is pretty low for most under $300 its not worth worrying about
2007-05-30 11:37:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no its fine if the water in the area is not full of lime scale
2007-05-30 04:21:44 · answer #10 · answered by q6656303 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋