failed Heat-Flo tank. 4.5 years

metropical

Our DHW tank began leaking this winter sometime. Although it was a harsh winter, it's never below 60º in the basement where the tank is.
It's a 4.5 yo installation of a Heat-Flo tank.

Heat Flo replaced the tank foc, but "charged" the (original and current) install plumber, or so he says.
It was less than an hours worth of time.

He says he has to change out about 15% of these tanks a year.

Any truth to any of this? Or did I just install more failure?

hot_rod

What was the failure? Leak in the tank, coil, or connection weld?

metropical

tank

hot_rod

Did you strip off the jacket and insulation see if it was a weld or ?

metropical

nope

hot_rod

If there is a rash of failures on a brand or type of tank, it may be a water compatibility issue.

Stainless tanks struggle with high chlorides, a glass lined steel tank may be a better option.

It is a good idea to have the water tested if you see multiple failures on a type of tank.
I have seen cutaways of that tank, it is a quality built tank, not an import "wannabe"