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Welcome to Plbg.com (aka: PlumbingForum.com) where plumbing advice, education, information, help and plumbing related suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers and plumbing contractors anywhere who all wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been free without popup or other invasive ads and known to be the best online STRICTLY PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to find and/or purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't track you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by:  

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 Is 20 Years Too Old for a Water Heater?
Author: Patch (VA)

I have a 20 year old, 50gal, AO Smith water heater, that appears to be working fine and no leaks. Is that unusual? Should I be concerned?

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 Re: Is 20 Years Too Old for a Water Heater?
Author: packy (MA)

none of us has a crystal ball.

but if there is no rust at any of the connections to the tank and you dont get a little rusty water when tou first open a hot faucet, then you are ok for now.

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 Re: Is 20 Years Too Old for a Water Heater?
Author: Trazinah (Non-US)

Yes, this is unusual—water heaters typically last 10–15 years. If it is 20 years old, even without leaks, the risk of failure is high. It is worth considering replacement to avoid unexpected breakdowns or leaks



Edited 1 times.

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 Re: Is 20 Years Too Old for a Water Heater?
Author: george 7941 (Canada)

I gave back the rental gas water heater in my house and installed my own in 1990. Thirty five years old and still going strong

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 Re: Is 20 Years Too Old for a Water Heater?
Author: steve (CA)

Mine is 60 years old. It's a Hoyt copper tank model. I replaced the control valve about 25 years ago.

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