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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default Hot water service lifespan

    Just replaced our old Rheem electric HWS.
    It was in the house when we bought it, still working ok but I was pretty sure it was running on borrowed time. With #1 daughter and her mob moving back in for a extended period I didn’t want to get caught out with it dying at an inconvenient time.

    Looking at when it was born which as far as we can tell is related to the serial number - I think it’s done pretty well




    Steve

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default

    It’s also damn heavy - not surprising given the steel thickness



    Compared to the modern (10yo) unit that I’ve used for my furnace build.



    Steve

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    586

    Default

    I turned my 400L Dux (approx 18 years old) into an offset smoker. Can confirm approx 3mm.
    I did have some thermostat issues which led to some wiring damage, which was repaired degraded to the point of (electric) failure. Swapped out with instantaneous gas job as part of a remodel.
    That being said, a new thermostat and element would have seen it live a much longer life I think- they are not too complicated- total loss would be a result of rust or sludge build up. FYI if you peek inside one, don't drink the hot water

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi Steve, Guys,

    Mine is a similar hot water system ! 150 Ltr very thin, 1.5 mm wall stainless steel tank surrounded by a thick foam jacket inside a cardboard tube. Its a high water pressure system, max 5 bar, with an air bladder cylinder at the top, the whole lot inside a welded plastic covered steel tube, with a plastic base and lid.

    Its just a little over 14 years old. I recently had to replace the air tank because it sprung an air leak and water came out through the rusted metal of the air tank. Even though the main tank is stainless steel with a 25 year guarantee the air tank is mild steel and not covered. The new air tank is warranted for only ten years.

    The French very commonly use this kind of high water pressure system usually electrically heated but some use gas or in some cases both.

    Originally the hot water system was a nice simple 40 gallon plastic tank in the roof space. I live in a bungalow, the downside of having 40 gallons of cold water in the loft is that it creaks when the temperature changes and the shower was very poor because of the four foot of head. So fitting a hot water mains pressure system improved the shower performance tremendously.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    North Brisbane. Qld. Australia
    Age
    70
    Posts
    1,511

    Default

    I little tip about how water systems. If you need a water meter replaced then turn off the water supply to the HWS and then disconnect and flush the pipes to the HWS after the work is completed. Otherwise you may end up with a HWS full of mud. Happened to me.
    Nev.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    melbourne
    Posts
    473

    Default

    So you suggesting my 53yo hws could be approaching end of life? I have replaced the elements once. Or is it twice?

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