Warning: My hot water heater died in the middle of a snowstorm

Last Thursday the pilot light went out on my 12 year old Rheem water heater and I couldnt get it relit. Called a plumber out that night, he said the thermocouple was shot and the whole unit needed replacing. Costs me $1,850 for a new one installed. I should have checked that thing months ago, the guy said they usually last 8 to 10 years. Has anyone else had their water heater fail without any signs? What did you do to avoid it next time?

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jaken2325d ago

Rheem heaters actually run closer to 12 to 15 years if you keep up with flushing the tank once a year. Plumbers always say 8 to 10 because it covers their butt and gets you to replace sooner. The little signs are usually rust colored water or a weird popping noise from sediment, but those can show up months before anything dies. Flushing it is a 20 minute job with a garden hose, and it wouldve caught that thermocouple crud way earlier.