Water Heater Trouble

10 years ago

So my gas hot water has been running out sooner than it used to, and my shower valve keeps getting clogged up with white plastic crumbles. It doesn't dissolve in vinegar so I think it is plastic.

Some research leads me to believe this means the dip tube of my water heater has disintegrated. My water heater is an american 50 gallon gas 6 year from 2002, which seems like it should be too new for the dip tube trouble from before 2000.

I'm looking at my replacement options. I've decided to rule out tankless due to the gas draw. I would probably need a new meter and new run. I'd like to stick to atmospheric venting tank unit for ease of replacement.

We have 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. Two adults, two children. The bigger tub is about 60 gallons. The shower has two heads, each flow 2GPM. We like to take long showers. I know turning the heater thermostat up will help with showers, but I feel like we need a thermostatic valve to turn up over 120 with small children.

Options -
Standard 40k BTU 50G Unit with Honeywell AMX300 thermostatic valve - $500 + $100 valve
High Recovery 65K BTU 50G unit with Honeywell AMX300 thermostatic valve - $800 + $100 valve
High Output 85K BTU 55G Bradford White - $1500 (integrated thermostatic valve).

Anyone have any experience with the Honeywell AMX300 thermostatic valve?

I'm leaning towards getting a 65k BTU high recovery AO Smith or Bradford White, adding the Honeywell valve, and setting the thermostat at 150 - 160 degrees. $500 cheaper than the 85K BTU high performance 55G and should provide solid performance for a family of four.

I may add a recirc pump at the same time, the type that uses the cold water piping for the return.

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Comments (6)

snoonyb
10 years ago
How about simply replacing the dip tube?
tech0010
Original Author
10 years ago
Since it is already 12 years old I would rather just go with a new unit. Don't wan to put work in it then have it burst in two years.
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User
10 years ago
Whichever you decide on make it a point to drain the water heater at least annually... it really pays off in the long run.

Also, if you have a closed plumbing system make sure there is thermal expansion hardware that is operating properly and spare the new water heater from having to tolerate high pressure spikes. If there's no thermal expansion control then have a thermal expansion tank installed (been code required since the 90's) on the cold supply for the water heater.
Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
I agree that replacing the old tank is the right way to go. And that putting a tempering valve is a good idea.

Before the current problem started, was the 50 gallon tank big enough to never run out?

As your kids get older, showers will get longer. If it were my choice, I'd go with a regular 75 gallon tank. It should meet your needs.

I'd also leave the setting in the 130-140 range. You're going to be needlessly burning through a lot of gas to keep that water overly hot, and such high temps can reduce the useful life of a tank.
tech0010
Original Author
10 years ago
With two people and the 50G set at 140 it was fine. With kids, setting it at 120, and the dip tube being gone it isn't cutting it now.

As the boys get older I'm not sure how the 50 will do. I'll look at 75 gallon units as well as the high recovery 50s. It's hard to tell how much more gas they will use, none of the 74's seem to have the "energy guide" or efficiency rating.

On the expansion tank question there isn't one there now. I think our water system doesn't require one because there isn't a check valve on the supply but I will check when I have the new heater installed.
User
10 years ago
If there is a PRV (pressure reducing valve will have a check valve)) at the water service entrance to the house and there is a check valve at the water meter you have a closed plumbing system.. That has been mandated since the 90's to prevent contamination back into the water system.

You can learn about thermal expansion by clicking HERE

Call your water authority.

This post was edited by justalurker on Thu, Jan 23, 14 at 12:32