Nukedaddy
Well-Known Member
Hose Doc has the right answer. No doubt.
Element Exploded
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I respectfully disagree nukedaddy
and ask why would you turn down a new water heater to replace a 3 year old heater?
this gives the home owner another 3 years worth or water heater in the long run
I dont know your situation. but for me. a water heater switch out takes me less than an hour to do if it is not in the attic or basement. wrap in plastic
slip an appliance dolly under the heater, wheel it outside. dump in on the ground
while it is draining hook the new heater up.
in my younger days. 30 minutes tops. lol
Nukedaddy
Well-Known Member
I was speaking to his explanation of the failure itself. Water intrusion through the element jacket saturating the insulating filler heated th steam that burst the element jacket. Not the relative ease or economics of warranty service.
I'd still opt for a full replaced unit.
Nukedaddy
Well-Known Member
I would agree. But that is not what my comments were related to. The ease and economics of replacement vary greatly. Admitted, most are straightforward, but then, of course, most would fall in the 6 sigma area of the cost curve anyway. But some will not, and may cost far more to change out. Or far less. If I know nothing about the specifics, I will resist guessing what the best fix is. I may suggest possible fixes, but the owner will ultimately decide the best path to follow.
If the tank wasn’t leaking I would’ve repaired it, especially if it’s fairly new.
rickwhoo
Well-Known Member
I would replace it... Something inside the tank may have caused this??? I wouldn't chance it.
What inside the tank would cause it ?
A blown element is the equivalent of a light bulb going out. I dont replace a lamp because a bulb blows.
That’s the logic I’m using.
rickwhoo
Well-Known Member
Piece if metal??? who knows? I wouldn't want to take a chance.
Yeah, that’s not probable or likely. I’ve never even heard of it happening.
The only metal in the tank is the anode. Easy enough to look inside the element bung if it was a concern.
Since this thread is 18 months old, and the person having the issue is the owner of this forum, along with another hundred forums, I would recommend him popping in here to tell us what he did to resolve the issue.
rickwhoo
Well-Known Member
Couldn't something bad have happened where the element is attached? It shorted for a reason. Being under warranty and something broke, I would want one without any defects.
Maybe it was a power surge or lightning strike
Even if it wasn’t it, only takes a few minutes to repair a basic electric water heaters electrical if you have a test meter and know how to use it.
If you buy a new car and a week later there’s a problem with the engine, do you get a new car ? Same applies here when you buy it from me.
rickwhoo
Well-Known Member
I'd still replace it...
What if the new one does the same thing ?
I’d be called a thief if I replaced water heaters because an element blows......
rickwhoo
Well-Known Member
If it does the same thing, It would tell me there's another issue that needs attention...
Exactly, that’s why you make sure there are no other issues before you start going through the labor and cost of total replacement.
rickwhoo
Well-Known Member
I'm replacing it myself... No labor cost involved. Just some fun plumbing work.
I didn’t say labor cost.
I said “ labor and costs “. There’s a difference.
I like to troubleshoot rather than just being a replacement specialist that makes a guess.
Anyway, have a good day.
