Atwood Water Heater Tank Life

[Siegmann]

My first Atwood water heater tank leaked from the bottom after 8 years of full-time use. I flushed it twice a year, and spent only a few months a year in locations with hard/alkaline water. In all but the coldest weather, we generally leave it off during the day, and only turn it on in the evening for showers and dishes. My second Atwood tank also lasted 8 years, a pinhole leak on the side of the tank, under similar use. Are others finding these kinds of tank lifespans?

[Siegmann]

By the way, you can save $150-$200 by just replacing the tank. It is only slightly more difficult than replacing the whole appliance.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Siegmann

My first Atwood water heater tank leaked from the bottom after 8 years of full-time use. I flushed it twice a year, and spent only a few months a year in locations with hard/alkaline water. In all but the coldest weather, we generally leave it off during the day, and only turn it on in the evening for showers and dishes. My second Atwood tank also lasted 8 years, a pinhole leak on the side of the tank, under similar use. Are others finding these kinds of tank lifespans?

Water heater tanks can last 25 to 30 years, or more.

With the history that you have experienced, that is absolutely abnormal.

I would suggest that you have your water checked for corrosive contents.

With the right bad water, the aluminum tank can indeed have a very short life.

Replacing just the tank, on a newer water heater, is no biggie.

But, try it on an old one, and you will have more than your hands full.

Andy

[Siegmann]

Andy, do you know of full-timers who get that long a life out of the tank? Could 8 years of full-time use equal 25 years of casual/vacation use?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Siegmann

Andy, do you know of full-timers who get that long a life out of the tank? Could 8 years of full-time use equal 25 years of casual/vacation use?

Many owners that use their Airstream very frequently, have a long life water heater tank.

However, unless the water heater tank is drained, the water stays, allowing it to do damage, when it's contents have corrosive's in it.

Andy