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We use a teriiary method. On steam boilers we efeel the danger can be recognized by a high temperature in the lower half of the Hartford loop piping back to the boiler. If the low water fails, the water level will go low, the return water will stop comming throuh the hartford loop, and the drip line will increase the water temperature in the hartford loop (boiler side). If this temperature goes above 180 degrees, the control cut out yeh boiler. This boiler cannot be refired with out a control reset. That is known to the installer.

Montec, I am 71. I have been an authorized rep and installer etc for many manufactures of products and experienced a lot of brands. Service business teaches us a lot, but I have yet to find the crystal ball of foresight. There are too many variables in materials, quality control, installer skills, even shippers cause problems.

I can share that things are made to fail quicker, and use less money in labor and materials to make more sales. In physics we learned : 1) The larger the heater, the cooler the water temp. the longer it lasts, especially gas. This minimizes the flexing of steel and cracking of glass linings. A 5 yr heater, getting its anode replaced every 5 years can last 30 years. I proved it! Well water breaks all the rules and many a heater. Installers make a difference in heater life and performance. Water pressure makes a difference. How much, I do not know. Maximum code pressure; 80PSI. In Baltimore it can get over 130PSI at night. Relief valves begin weeping at 140. Heaters can reach 300 psi and bulge tanks which is never under any warranty. Expansion controls are needed especially in a closed system.

Debris in water will fail a gas heater quicker. One 10 year period the major dip tube manufacturer changed its formula. They supplied almost all the different water heater brands. The dip tube dissolved. Many people switched brands to avoid it, not knowing the brand was not the cause.

Today the simple gas fired standing pilot has been replaced with complex controls that have higher fail rates, even if not leaking. No one can guarantee a leak free heater but a good warranty will fund the replacement and insurance may cover the damages.

My personal choice for a tank, is Bradford White 50-80 gal. For tankless, a Rinnai, and maybe a few other brands. Heat pump water heaters are a failed idea that wastes more than it ever saves. And no plumber will ever fix unless they have an HVAC license. But most manufacture's replace what the will not repair if warrantied. Most "heat pumps" on the heater we worked on failed within 2 to 4 years. Others could not be service without removing pipe built be installer.

So do we- but what happens when you retire?