[Roly Poly]

The list never seems to end of things I need to fix! OK, so i have a water heater (gas) that is leaking. I know i need to replace it. What is the best way to go about this and does anyone have a recommendation for a plumber in north Seattle? I am starting to detest being a home owner .

[flatsqwerl]

Lowes replaced mine and did a good job. I learned a few things by hanging out and watch/talking with them during the install as well.

[DIYSteve]

I replaced our gas water heater a couple years ago. Relatively simple project. It was a couple weeks before brain surgery and my brain tumor was pressing up against my right vestibular coil so I was staggering all over the place each time I moved my head. Other than that, it was easy peasy. If you don't want to do it DIY, PM me and I can provide the name of a guy who is in the biz and AFAIK charges a very fair price.

[Ski]

YouTube is your friend. anything that can be fixed - somebody's posted a video for it. (like the window regulator on my truck.) water heater = not rocket science. my buddy and I did mine about 20 years ago (in a different house.) biggest problem was tearing apart and piecing back the cabinet they'd built around it. (i.e., "let the next guy worry about it.") gotta love house. almost as much fun as maintaining women or children.

[tigermn]

When mine goes out again I'm going to take a serious look at a tank-less system. The whole concept of a hot water tank IMHO is outdated. Had a friend go tankless some years ago and never looked back. Yea it will cost you more than $299 at Home Depot but.... Something to look into.

[Ski]

good point. utility company told me biggest energy user in the house is the hot water tank.

[Randito]

Whatever you don't call Southwest Plumbing -- ripoff artists!!!

[Pyrites]

To add to not list, plumbing firm from Kent that likes to hire Seahawk player for their ads.

[Ski]

ahh... and be sure to pony up the bucks for new in/out connection lines - do not go cheap and try to re-use the old ones. <edit> water damage claim last year (had nothing to do with water tank) - insurance company paid $18K - out-of-pocket additional costs were about $4500. 30 or 40 bucks for new lines is way cheap in the big picture.

[RichardJ]

Yikes! I know I have probably pushed my water heater to the limit. It is 21 years old now and it is probably a small miracle mine has not caused a disaster in the garage. Need to get one soon too.

[Daryl]

I'm kinda looking forward to mine taking a crap so i can go to a tankless heater. As long as you don't have multiple showers going at the same time or shower while the washing machine/dishwasher is on, they are easily the way to go! Everything i heard, gas is better than electric, if your current heater is gas you should be set for a pretty easy install. Note: I learned last year that i should be flushing my water heater once a year or so. Unfortunately that will probably add years to it's life...

[Roly Poly]

Great feedback. Thanks, Ski, very good point. I will get new connection lines. I wonder if the tankless heaters are more tricky to install. Does anyone have a recommendation for a plumber? Steve?

[Ski]

Daryl if you drain/flush your hot water tank (easy to do) be sure to turn the power off at the breaker box first. If the heating elements inside the tank are exposed to air (even for a couple seconds) you will have to replace them. (* another lesson learned the hard way.)

[Roly Poly]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I ended up going with Lowes. They send someone to my house to do a bid. Never would have thought of Lowes. Thanks flatsquerl!

[Chico]