Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
jlj48

Hot water heater problems - fix or buy new?

jlj48
13 years ago

I hope that someone can help. When we purchased this 10 year old home 5 years ago, it came with an A.O. SMITH natural gas power vent hot water heater with a 6 year warranty. It began having problems a few months ago in that after two showers, you had no more hot water unless you flipped the blower switch off and on. We had the dip tube replaced and the sensor cleaned and that bought us a few more months. Now it's up to the same old tricks so we need to either fix it or replace it. After doing some research, the part "likely" needed is a new flame sense rod and that part is $100.00. The parts guy said that hot water heaters generally last about 10 years then need replaced. My question: Should we take our chances and have this part replaced or purchase a new heater, and if so, which one do you recommend? Of course we want the best price we can get and a decent water heater. But this isn't our forever house, we look to be here 5 - 10 more years before moving. Any advice? Thank You!

Comments (2)