is dead. Just 7 years old. The tried to fix it, but it rejected the new part. Now I have to wait on them to install a new one. It is always something!! (Gilda Radner, all her life) 

Well things have change since your last heater install. 

The one before this one that just crapped out was 37 years old and still working when I had it replaced. This one did not have that loyalty. 

37 years old and still working when I had it replaced. This one did not have that loyalty.?

They don't make things like they used to. An appliance that lasts more than 10 years is almost unheard of anymore.

There is an old refrigerator at my great-grandparents home that still works. It was bought in 1948. It is the one and only refrigerator they ever bought. Although my great-grandparents are long gone from this earth, when we visit the old farm we plug it in and use. It works as good as it did when it was new. 

What I am trying to say is, if they wanted to, they could make appliances that lasted longer. 

Mine went out, actually ruptured and leaked everywhere and I called a plumber who said it had to be replaced. Called my handyman and he came and installed a new pressure release valve and a new pilot and that was 5 years ago......I know call him every time so he can tell me the truth. I had a friend that a plumber wanted 1750 to replace the hot water heater. She went to lower and bought a new one for around 500 and my guy picked it up and installed it for her for 250.00, saved her over 1000.000. 

Don't forget the government enacted new rules a year ago re water heaters which makes them a lot more expensive. 

Don't forget the government enacted new rules a year ago re water heaters which makes them a lot more expensive.


Yes, and when it comes to gas, I want someone bearing a license and some talent to do the honors. 

My friend bought her water heater less than 6 months ago and the "handyman" I referred her to has been building houses for 35 years and is a licensed contractor. He is just honest. Two plumbing companies wanted between 1600-2400 to replace mine and all it needed was a new pressure release valve and a new pilot mechanism. It has worked wonderful every since. I had failed to find a truly honest plumber until recently, I had one tell me I needed major work, thousands done and this plumber fixed it for less than 400.00. It is just hard to find a trustworthy plumber. Glad you found one you liked 

And does this trusty plumber have a name? 

Yes, please provide some kind of contact info for your trustworthy plumber!
My gas heater in my lovely FC home is 24 years old and I want to proactively replace it before it dies while no one is home. And I am not going to DIY it. 

It is Alpha Omega. They have pretty much handled all of the plumbing issues in my house, except for the one time I hired a handyman to install a garbage disposal. Then I had to call a plumber. 

*serious post* Alpha Omega rocks! */serious post* 

Yes they do! 

Alpha Omega replaced my water heater about 9 yrs ago & did a great job!