What Are The Symptoms?

Steve_211

What are the symptoms to look for, aside from an obvious tank leak,when it's time to replace a water heater? I have a natural gas A.O.Smith 40 gal., installed in 2001. The past month, I now have the thermostat set as high as it will go; the water hasn't been hot enough. It is hot enough after the burner is on awhile.

heatpro02920

Sounds like it may be a service issue..

You are lucky to get 8 years out of that tank, at almost 15 years you are very lucky.... You may just need a service, I have serviced gas water heaters, clean the chamber, burner assembly, flue passages, flush and circulate vinegar solution, but the service sometimes costs a good portion of what a new tank will cost... http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-Performance-40-gal-Short-6-Year-36-000-BTU-Natural-Gas-Water-Heater-XG40S06EC36U0/204298977 ....



With the age of your tank, I would be replacing it, I have customers that change their tank every 10 years whether it needs it or not, just not to have to clean up a leak..