I know someone that has a used Rheem 40 gal gas water heater. He claims it was only installed for about a year or two and then removed when he renovated the house a few years back. It has been sitting in his garage since.
Would it be worth installing at my house. IT almost Sounds like trouble
How long has it been sitting since it was used? Why was it replaced then?
It may be a gem or it may be worthless. Hard to say.
True.
In my last house, I have a water heater start leaking and my father-in-law just happened to have a used one in his shed. It had been sitting there for
20 years! I figured, it was a weekend and I needed it now so I would hook it up and get another later.I forgot about getting another one until 6 years later.....
i would guess it has been sitting for about 3 years now.
It was replaced because he wanted a 80 gallon or something for larger demand.
He said there was some rust starting to form at the bottom from sitting.....which makes me leary of it...
Rust where? If it is the sheet metal housing, no big deal.
That rust is likely just sheet metal, not part of the actual tank.
I would go for it, assuming it is free.
I agree with other posters that its probably OK. If the rust is on the feet or outside you are probably OK. Also, as long as it was drained and did not freeze. If its gas, look at the mechanics and make sure they look in reasonable condition. If it has any dents it could be trouble because the lining could be busted up. if no dents then you are good to go.
If your really anal, you can replace the dip tube(s), pressure relief valve and washer on the drain. Flush out with clean water first, if full of gunk/rust then get a new one. If it runs clear pretty quickly then go for it. Install it with a pan plumbed to drain or sump if a leak will cause issues. Whats the worst that can happen?
Better yet replace the drain valve with something that did not come out of a CrackerJax box like most of the ones that come on water heaters.
Ya, I was thinking of the 'real' one on my 'cold water heater' and what any washer may look like if it became brittle or dry rotted over many years. Probably not an issue for the OP but hey, I said if he were anal.
I know somone who "replace all the rubber" on his vehicles every year or two. All hoses, belts, some gaskets and of course tires - whether they need it or not.
Actually replacing all of that rubber stuff every 4-5 years is not a bad idea. The tyre companies and safety people are suggesting replacing tyres based not just on lack of tread, but also on age.
Rust from the outer casing means nothing, rust from the inner tank means is not good. You need to pull the burner and clean it and make sure it is working ok. No telling what cooties are lurking there, and many insects like the smell of gas, especially leaf cutter bees which will plug every small hole. When you clean he burner you should be able to tell if the tank is rusting or just the outside sheet metal. I would suggest that it is probably just the sheet metal, if the tank has remained empty.
"Joseph Meehan" wrote
Isn't that ridiculous? I understand saving money and every penny counts (during the manufacturing process), but come on!
No kidding, they save 50¢ by using total junk.
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