Comments on: Condo owners & hot water tanks – A call to arms!

By: ARDELL

ARDELL — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:29:57 +0000

Thanks Bob! Good info.

By: Bob Bussman

Bob Bussman — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:29:17 +0000

Ardell,
yes, a gas water heater lasts about 10-14 years. It is true what they say, things arent built like they used to be made. My parents water heater lasted 35 years. I replace 50 gallon gas water heaters for $649 +tax. Stairs do add an extra body to carry the water heater up and down. It is an additional $100 for a second man. Check out my website at aaawaterheaters.com and give me a call if you have any further questions.

By: ARDELL

ARDELL — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:14:15 +0000

Thanks for popping by Bob. That’s an excellent cost for a 50 gallon Rheem.

While I haven’t seen too many people replacing tanks at 8 years, a lot depends on the location in the home.

How much is it to replace a gas hot waterheater? Isn’t the life expectancy longer on a gas tank vs. an electric one?

Does it matter if it is in the basement or not as to cost?? I have one in the basement and one upstairs in my closet that feeds the master bathroom. Both look to be at least 50 gallon and possibly 50 gallon tanks. I’ll have to look at the tags. I likely will be replacing them when I sell my house so the new owners have new ones, in a few months.

By: Bob Bussman

Bob Bussman — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:49:52 +0000

I am the owner of AAA Water Heaters (aaawaterheaters.com). Every city has different rules and regulations about installing water heaters. The city of Seattle plumbing inspector has informed me that he does not need a permit pulled for a water heater replacement if I am installing like for like.
Electric water heaters on average last 8-12 years. If you are in this block of time, you need a new water heater!
I install a Rheem 50 gallon standard electric water heater for
$529 +tax. That includes installation, supply lines and removal of the old one.
I will also come out answer questions at board meetings.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:13:47 +0000

To AJ…I;m a long time condo manager (since 1980) and I assure you that HOA Boards have the authority to require replacements of hot water tanks. The HOA’s highest duty is to protect the property.

Also, You cannot raise the HOA deductible to $20,000 or $30,000 as $10,000 is the high limit based on the Washington State Condominium Act. And whe you have had a $60,000 bill from a tank break on the third floor, $10,000 does nothing. Oh, and when the HOA does make a claim for the cost, it raises everyones future premiums! Far easier to replace those tanks.

Now, have you required braided steel mesh hoses for the hot and cold supply to the washing machine (rather than rubber) as a good condo Board member?

By: Water Heater Guide

Water Heater Guide — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:03:58 +0000

Hot Water tanks should be replace once every 15 years. Rust will start forming if you don’t replace it.

By: ARDELL

ARDELL — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:56:52 +0000

“the inspector” of what? I don’t think the hot water tank installers are saying all of the bells and whistles are “required’ everywhere. They simply, by policy, seem to have their own requirements that have more than doubled the cost of putting in a hot water tank in a short period of time.

You didn’t up your deductible to $30,000 did you? Has your building had any tanks blow and cause damage to other units?

By: AJ

AJ — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:26:38 +0000

Talking to the inspector, it looks like I was taken for a ride. The vacuum breaker and drain pan was not necessary to pass inspection in Kirkland.

By: ARDELL

ARDELL — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 01:23:11 +0000

AJ,

That doesn’t sound like a great way to go. I live in Kirkland. Give me a call some time. I used to manage HOAs and would be happy to go through some “what ifs” with you.

By: AJ

AJ — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:53:16 +0000

Yes, in Kirkland.