Help me fix our hot water heater problem

I had a new gas water heater installed in my home this spring, a Lochinvar, which meets the new federal regulations on efficiency. Upon installing this new water heater, it turned out it couldn't regulate the temperature properly. It stayed scalding hot, which is a serious danger to my little children, and to us every time we turn on the hot water.

The plumbing company has been very responsive. At first, they changed the honeywell gas valve thinking that was the issue. It did not help, and the temperature, even at the very lowest setting, was still 140 degrees F plus. Then they contacted Lochinvar, who recommended a new anode rode of a different kind. So they came and tried that. It didn't change anything.

Now they are saying they can do one of two things: either install a thermostatic mixing valve on the hot water line feeding the house or to replace the heater with a Bradford White heater.

Which should we go with and why? Thanks so much.

You should go to Lochinvar and make it there problem.

johnjh2o said:

You should go to Lochinvar and make it there problem.

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Are their water heaters better than the Bradford White? I don't have to pay for any of this as my plumbing company is willing to look after the aforementioned options. So to clarify my question it is what is the best choice for the home and water heater, not necessarily which is going to cost me the most.

The heater you have is much more expensive then Bradford White. I would be looking for a refund on the price difference.

johnjh2o said:

The heater you have is much more expensive then Bradford White. I would be looking for a refund on the price difference.

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Thanks for the input. What do you think of the option to install a thermostatic mixing valve on the hot water line feeding the house and keep the Lochinvar?

That would solve your hot water problem but you will be heating the water to a higher temperature then you require.

If I had a WH installed and it malfunctioned the way you are describing and the manufacturer showed little interest, I would run.

If the defect is in the thermostat it may overheat dangerously and the mixing valve only tempers outlet water temps.

If they cannot install a replacement WH and verify it's correct operation, you have little choice (IMO) but going with another manufacturer (and be compensated for the price differences).

angelescrest said:

Then they contacted Lochinvar, who recommended a new anode rode of a different kind. So they came and tried that. It didn't change anything.

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Very odd. Why would an anode rod have anything to do with the water temp?
That's like replacing a seat cover in a car to see if it will get better gas mileage.

Our preferred water heaters are BradfordWhite.
We use to sell American Water Heaters but had to many problems with them and their customer service.

I would say to replace the water heater. Bradford White is a renowned company and should have no problem meeting your requirements. Just make sure to get the difference.

Mr_David said:

Very odd. Why would an anode rod have anything to do with the water temp?
That's like replacing a seat cover in a car to see if it will get better gas mileage.

Our preferred water heaters are BradfordWhite.
We use to sell American Water Heaters but had to many problems with them and their customer service.

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Good question. I was told that in conversation with Lochinvar reps, they had seen this one or two other times, and they thought it was a water issue. I'm on a well in the country. They thought maybe if my water chemistry was different (?!) that it changing the anode rod might help, and that it had worked on another unit. I never bought the idea, but we gave it a shot first.

So it sounds like replacing the unit with a Bradford White is the best solution? I don't know what the cost difference is with a Lochinvar, but I did pay $1540 for it (post April's newer EPA standards).

angelescrest said:

I was told that in conversation with Lochinvar reps, they had seen this one or two other times, and they thought it was a water issue. I'm on a well in the country. They thought maybe if my water chemistry was different (?!) that it changing the anode rod might help, and that it had worked on another unit. I never bought the idea, but we gave it a shot first.

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...un-friggin believable...

Some college boy equates an anode rod with a malfunctioning thermostat...

The manufacturer should have supplied the contractor with an exchange heater, all costs paid.

You need to ask the contractor what the price difference(s) is and how they will make an adjustment.

Here is some info on the importance of thermostatic mixing valves..

http://www.carsondunlop.com/home-in...-valves-to-protect-against-scalding-part-one/

go with the bradford and dont look back.

demand a price adjustment.

better yet, YOU, check the price difference, so you are informed as to the amount you should be returned