Electric hot water heater replacement advice

[Eagler]

Time to replace the 2009 GE 40 gal hot water heater..

The reviews for the AO Smith heaters at lowes are as scary as the Rheem reviews at home depot

Any suggestions/experiences?

Eagler

[knorB]

https://www.statewaterheaters.com/

[Meatwad]

I bought a reliance natural gas from a local overpriced hardware store, so far its fine. The diameter of the water heater was several inches larger since that last one I bought was from sears and all the sears around here have all went out of business, so it was a tight fit in the hole where the water heater fits at. I didnt know this until went to put it in. I stayed away from lowes and home depot specifically because of the reviews online. There were too many junk ones mixed in to take a chance with it. Menards has them also and were cheaper, buy after cross referencing them they are worse then lowes, they were a value piece of crap water heater

[sparky127]

Hot water heater.  If the water is hot, why are you heating it?

[-gg-]

My water heater just went out yesterday. Ice water showers now until I can get it replaced or fixed.

[SNO]

Check with your local hvac dealer and compare the price as well as the model numbers as many big box stores have proprietary models of the brand names only sold to them that are sometimes of less quality. With the information gathered you could make an informed decision that suits you. The dealers around here would sell you the unit only if you wanted to install it yourself.

[Masherbrum]

Had a gas tank water heater at our old home and now have a tankless.   You might want to consider the opportunity to switch as well.   

[guncrasher]

used to do installation for home depot and Lowe. about 30% of the time they delivered the wrong merchandise or it was damaged.


semp

[Shuffler]

AO Smith is often rated just below Rheem, which on many charts is the number one water heater.

I have a Enviro-temp 50 gallon electric. I have had it for 6 years and no problems at all. Comes with a 9 year warranty.

[Maverick]

A consideration for replacement. Do you have hard or soft water? If soft water then look for best ratings you can find locally as you will likely be keeping it a good long while. If you have hard water then look for economy because you'll be replacing it in less than 10 years due to calcification of the heating element. A warranty is also a consideration.

[Toad]

If it’s the heater element it’s an easy cheap fix.Most hi-cap water heaters have 2 elements. If you a just a bit handy you can replace both in 15 minutes for less than 30 bucks.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-Water-Heater-Screw-Element/3693204

How to change the element

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UXYhfvXG9Q

[Meatwad]

Thats if your thermostat is still good too

[-gg-]

I was able to get my water heater going again today. Turns out that there's a reset switch inside on the thermostat. So far it's been working fine. I'm just wondering what made it trip. Bit hey, I'll take it. Ice showers are not fun

[Toad]

Lowes sells a kit with 2 rods and 2 thermostats too.  About $35.

Might be worth checking those out on the old one before you drop $500 on a new heater.

[AKIron]