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Hot water heater replace

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RobLC
RobLC Member Posts: 93
We're looking to replace our natural gas hot water heater in the near future. Tankless is too expensive for the 3 whole house right now.

Currently we have a AO Smith Model PGXH 50 248, which has the pilot assembly that the guys from Homeserve like because it's unlike the newer models of AO Smith which even our plumber doesn't like. Any pros know where to get an AO Smith Model PGXH 50 248 that's been stored away.

If not, any suggestions on a 50 gallon natural gas hwh that isn't going to cause problems right from the start. Can't seem to find any decent reviews on popular brands. Is all the info we've been reading true? That the common brands aren't good quality like they used to be?

Thank you for any help or guidance you can offer.

Comments

  • RobLC
    RobLC Member Posts: 93
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    Hatterasguy, thank you for getting back to us. This looks like the kind of heater that a boiler gets hooked up to. It's a real beauty. We have a really old boiler. We're told we keep in great condition. We'll look in to it. What a shame the state of the hwh's today. We had a Tregeser forever almost. Then something went wrong with the thermocouple and AO Smith replaced it. Have had this thing for almost 15 years and the only problem was two days ago the thermocouple was replaced.

    Well, ok. Thank you for your reply.
  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
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    What do you have for heat- hot air or radiators?
  • RobLC
    RobLC Member Posts: 93
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    Yeah, nuts. Our plumber and the techs from National Grid and Homeserve said it's lasted because we keep the water temperature dial on the low side, and we empty sediment every 1 to 2 weeks. Thank you, again.
  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,304
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    Hello: Anodes can be stubborn to remove, so you just need to be stubborn-er :o There is not much to lose by replacing the anode and you could add years to the life of the heater. I've got heaters out there over fifty years old and still running. Do replace the relief valve while you're at it!

    Yours, Larry
  • RobLC
    RobLC Member Posts: 93
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    Bob Bona, we have radiators.
  • RobLC
    RobLC Member Posts: 93
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    Hatterasguy , thank you for the worms warning. Think Rust Bust and impact gun (with tank full) and someone also holding water heater?

    Larry Weingarten, thank you for the advice. Will look into this.
  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
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    Steam or hot water heat? If you have a boiler, I suggest an indirect water heater. Do a little research on them and you'll see the benefits.