HawthorneVillager.com

Whats the span of heaters these days? 10 years? $25 over 10 years is $3K.

It's not even how handy you are. I consider myself handy (IE put up a rockwall myself, built a deck myself, installing laminate with DMX subflooring myself, etc) - but I wouldn't touch items on a water heater - if there's gas involved, I want someone trained working on it.

At the end of the day, it's not as crazy a difference as one may think. Are you paying more? Possibly. But then again, why does one get more coverage on their car or house insurance? The likelihood of issues is slim, so should you get cut rate insurance? It's the only item in my house that has failed 3 times in the past 6 years. All my other major appliances at most, have had 1 issue, if that.

It's the one item I want covered with a simple phone call.

I agree you shouldn't mess with gas but none of the items I mentioned are on the gas side. They're either on the exhaust side (ie downstream of the gas valve) or water side.
Typical tank life is 15 years but I've seen them 20. When I see a tank over 15 years I recommend to people that they change it out because a ruptured tank can make a big mess.

John Allingham, Professional Engineer
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
inspect@peelhomeinspection.com
http://www.peelhomeinspection.com

In my case, I pay $27 all in, per month. If a typical tank lasts 10 years, my total outlay would be $3240 and that's if the rates never rise, which we know will, so my total cost will be much higher. With that amount of money spent renting, I can buy a new tank/installed every 3.5 years. The only concern is speed of warranty work if one owns their own tank, may take longer than if you were to rent. If that isn't an issue and you don't have kids, then owning is the way to go.

When we originally contacted Reliance about purchasing our water heater (WH) in our new home, they indicated that if purchased it does not come with any warranty. We purchased our WH in our last home (~$1500) - different vendor, and received a full 10 year labour & parts warranty with it. This time around we want to purchase the WH but the lack of warranty is a big factor.

John: Which warranty are you referring to?

Ummm towels, socks and underwear are washed in warm or hot water. Any way else is disgusting.

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Some people are like slinkies. They're really good for nothing but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

If your junk is touching the material, there are germs.
Don't be gross AND cheap, use hot water or warm water at the very least.

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Some people are like slinkies. They're really good for nothing but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

I agree about the fakken hot water rental bullshit. I'm so fed up with paying for this useless service.

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Some people are like slinkies. They're really good for nothing but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

My contract with Reliance was up so I bought my own water heater from Home Depot.

John Allingham
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
inspect@peelhomeinspection.com
http://www.peelhomeinspection.com

Yes, did it myself except the gas connection.

John Allingham
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
inspect@peelhomeinspection.com
http://www.peelhomeinspection.com

Any recommendations on brand/type to buy? Capacity obviously based on usage and house size.

There's not too much selection. I bought the GE from Home Depot. It has a one year unlimited warranty and a 6 year limited warranty but I've had no issues since I installed it two years ago. I used the same capacity as my old one...50 gal(US).

John Allingham
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
inspect@peelhomeinspection.com
http://www.peelhomeinspection.com

our tank broke down twice last week right after the power failure. Reliance came in twice to replace the sensors. tank is going to be 3 years old in june

You could install it your self and have union gas come out to inspect the unit, I would upgrade the venting, the reason they have the new 636 is that the fittings on abs do not expand at the same rate of the pipe which may cause the fittings to crack and release the products of combustion ( c/o) into your home. Also if you have any equipment serviced or repaired the gas tech may write an infraction(8.9.6 in B-149) on your vent and you will have to replace it anyway because the appliance (date code on appliance) has been installed after 2007.

We're considering this soon also. Looks like a $650 tank, plus maybe? $400 install charge (have not yet priced that out).

I have a question to home buyers: I'm wondering, would anyone have a problem if they saw an owned (ie: non-rental) tank in a prospective home? Would that turn into a hang-up or a sticking point when choosing a home, or assessing your options?

I would have no fear, especially after spending more than $4K in rental payments with only ONE repair visit.

Just wondering,
Thanks,

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This one thing probably never goes away
I think this one thing is always supposed to stay
This one thing doesn't have to go away

To answer a few of the original questions... I found out this out a while ago... Their is a law that Ontario home builder must sell a 'finished' home. Included in the typical things like door knobs, light fixtures and carpet (which is why you can't delete them). Also, a finished home must have a hot water tank.

I am going to make an assumption here... that some smarty pant builder and hot water tank rental place got together and said.."Hey, we have to buy 1000 tanks in the next 2 years... why don't we partner with a rental company and make some money on both ends!"

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Pain is Temporary Pride is forever