Well, it's on it's last leg. I noticed some water in the basement a few weeks ago, but couldn't trace the source between my heater, water softener, water filter, or the rainfall we had. Well, today I confirmed it. Not happy. Oh well. I should have known. My neighbor who has the identical one installed at the same time 7 years go replaced his 6 months ago. It's not a cheap model, either. It's some super efficient blah blah with a special venting system. I've installed basic water heaters before, but I'm not sure about this one. I'll just try to find a direct swap if I can. I was looking at tankless jobbers, but seems there are a lot of drawbacks: cost, "trickle flow" problem, lack of heat production, lack of flow. So I'll just stick with standard. I just have to get it done before it completely springs a leak and floods the basement.

Ok, I vented. Thanks for listening.

Matthew

I guess it's been 6 or 7 years ago that I replaced mine with the top of the line unit that Lowes had at the time. It's guaranteed against leaks for life, is larger than it's predecessor and super efficient. It's electric and did indeed lower my power bill about an average of $18 a month at that time. So far, so good. We'll see.
I assume yours is gas since you mentioned venting. I've never installed a gas heater but electric ones are easy. But I'd think if you're just refitting another gas unit that it should be pretty much a bolt-in. But of course with gas, if you have any doubts, definitely consult an expert. I'm sure I didn't have to tell you that.... Good luck.

What sort of special venting system?

Does it have a plastic abs or pvc vent?

Does it have a blower fan on the vent?

There's nothing too fancy about these things really.

I wouldn't bother with the tankless. You need a huge one to compensate for no tank, and the gas line feeding it probably will be too small. Not to mention the price.

And make sure you hook up the T&P relief correctly:

http://www.azfamily.com/news/homepage ... e-explosion.46975254.html

I just talked to my neighbor. He manages an H&C company. When he replaced his it was still under warranty and cost him $40. He's gonna call Monday to see if mine is still under warranty, too. I don't believe it is, though. I think it's expired by a few months. But since he has pull with the suppliers maybe something can be done?

Yes, it's gas.

It has a horizontal PVC vent with a vent fan. True, it's not complicated.

I have replaced tanks before. I'm just saying I'd prefer to get a direct swap, as opposed to picking a random one at Home Depot and having to move pipes, etc. I do know how to cut and thread pipe and hot to sweat copper. I did minor finish carpentry and home repair for about 1½ years, so I'm handy enough.

Oh well. We'll see what pans out. I'm just frustrated with it is all.

Matthew

Ok, yeah that's definitely a high efficiency condensing gas unit, not cheap.

If you put a standard water heater in there you'll have to replace the vent with metal and B-vent, which probably would require cutting a new hole in your wall or roof.

Yeah that's what I was alluding to above but in simple terms. Oh well. We'll have to wait to Monday to find out. Knowing my luck, though, it's still gonna cost me $600.

Matthew