Bob Knauff
06-04-2008, 02:39 PM
Photo of burner chamber of a GE (Rheem built) 50 gal., natural gas fired water heater, mfg. date:06/2003 in service since spring of 04 until today. Chimney above heater is aluminum. Bottom of tank itself is sound with no visible corrosion. All rust flakes must be from the inner chimney/heat tube of the heater tank itself.
Aside from the flame impingement issue due to flake build up on burner head, how much rust is allowable before replacement of unit? Would it be allowable to simply clean out the rust flakes and hope for the best? Is there a way to determine the life left in the various metal components given that much rust?
Factory dances around issue saying all that depends on the environment the unit is located in. Unless it is leaking it can have varying amounts of corrosion and still be fine. For warranty purposes they require the homeowner to have a plumber come out at the owners expense and call their service line while standing at the water heater, to be able to make a determination.
In the past I have automatically recommended replacement of the heater when finding this much damage but now I'm thinking that may be premature. Perhaps simply cleaning the rust off the head and out of the chamber (perhaps on a regular basis?)would allow for many more years of service. I have only seen one other tank this new with the problem as severe as this one, most have been 8 years old or better. None have been actually leaking however.
Opinions?
Aside from the flame impingement issue due to flake build up on burner head, how much rust is allowable before replacement of unit? Would it be allowable to simply clean out the rust flakes and hope for the best? Is there a way to determine the life left in the various metal components given that much rust?
Factory dances around issue saying all that depends on the environment the unit is located in. Unless it is leaking it can have varying amounts of corrosion and still be fine. For warranty purposes they require the homeowner to have a plumber come out at the owners expense and call their service line while standing at the water heater, to be able to make a determination.
In the past I have automatically recommended replacement of the heater when finding this much damage but now I'm thinking that may be premature. Perhaps simply cleaning the rust off the head and out of the chamber (perhaps on a regular basis?)would allow for many more years of service. I have only seen one other tank this new with the problem as severe as this one, most have been 8 years old or better. None have been actually leaking however.
Opinions?