03-11-2016, 10:14 AM
In this thread , I asked about replacement water heaters. Here's the conclusion to that thread:
I opted to DIY after calling around and getting ballpark estimates in the $1350-$1450 range for a 'like for like' type replacement.
Bought a Rheem Platinum Plus 50 gal water heater from Home Depot for ~$760+tax after I couldn't find a local supply store that would sell the equivalent for less than $1200* (Grainger, FYI).
I bought this particular WH because it had good reviews, a 12 yr warranty and good energy efficiency. And it was almost exactly the same dimensions as the old circa '94 WH it replaced - despite the new emergency efficiency standards that started in 2015. Assuming its EnergyGuide rating (the yellow tag) is reasonably accurate, the new WH will save $600 in propane over its 12 year warranty period, compared to the next most efficient tank LP model.
The WH was special order at every HD I called, so not an option for an emergency replacement. Took about a week and a half to come in.
Unpacking: the boxing and the WH were in perfect condition. I transported the WH on its side in the back of my truck.
Dragged the new WH into my attic - I rigged a chain-fall to do the heavy lifting. Had to disassemble my attic stairs to provide enough clearance and rig a skid on the WH so I could skid it up a ladder. Even with removing the stairs I had <1" of clearance on each side
Now I think I know where the old WH got its scratches and dents.
Swapped the old WH for the new. I kept most of the old fittings but put on a new expansion tank - the old one seemed to be water logged. I had my gas supplier come out and make the LP gas connection so I was/am legal.
Filled it, bled the air, plugged in the transformer (the new WH uses a powered damper and igniter), turned the gas control-valve 'on' and voila it fired right up and has been making hot water ever since.
The hardest part of the project was definitely transporting the equipment into/out of the attic. Would have been almost an easy project if the WH was in an easy to access/work location like a garage.
-Mark
* Rheem has a line of contractor-only WH and a line of HD only WH. I suspect many of the models are the same, just with different branding. YMMV.
I opted to DIY after calling around and getting ballpark estimates in the $1350-$1450 range for a 'like for like' type replacement.
Bought a Rheem Platinum Plus 50 gal water heater from Home Depot for ~$760+tax after I couldn't find a local supply store that would sell the equivalent for less than $1200* (Grainger, FYI).
I bought this particular WH because it had good reviews, a 12 yr warranty and good energy efficiency. And it was almost exactly the same dimensions as the old circa '94 WH it replaced - despite the new emergency efficiency standards that started in 2015. Assuming its EnergyGuide rating (the yellow tag) is reasonably accurate, the new WH will save $600 in propane over its 12 year warranty period, compared to the next most efficient tank LP model.
The WH was special order at every HD I called, so not an option for an emergency replacement. Took about a week and a half to come in.
Unpacking: the boxing and the WH were in perfect condition. I transported the WH on its side in the back of my truck.
Dragged the new WH into my attic - I rigged a chain-fall to do the heavy lifting. Had to disassemble my attic stairs to provide enough clearance and rig a skid on the WH so I could skid it up a ladder. Even with removing the stairs I had <1" of clearance on each side

Swapped the old WH for the new. I kept most of the old fittings but put on a new expansion tank - the old one seemed to be water logged. I had my gas supplier come out and make the LP gas connection so I was/am legal.
Filled it, bled the air, plugged in the transformer (the new WH uses a powered damper and igniter), turned the gas control-valve 'on' and voila it fired right up and has been making hot water ever since.
The hardest part of the project was definitely transporting the equipment into/out of the attic. Would have been almost an easy project if the WH was in an easy to access/work location like a garage.
-Mark
* Rheem has a line of contractor-only WH and a line of HD only WH. I suspect many of the models are the same, just with different branding. YMMV.
If I had a signature, this wouldn't be it.