[flatsqwerl]

Keep calm, mine was replaced by Lowes and cost me about 700$ 30 Gal tank ( tank and labor) However, I had the lines in place and a pan underneath in place all ready for them.

[Chief Joseph]

The more I research water heaters, the more confused I am. One think that seems consistent is that a tank less electric water heater would likely not satisfactory for most large families, due to the limitation of not being able to say shower and run a dishwasher at the same time. As I said I just need a small point of use heater for showering. I decided not to go with electric due to my properties primitive wiring configuration. So then I figured I would just go with a small, tank less, gas heater...but upon doing further research I am skeptical as to the efficiency and reliability of a tank less heater. So then I decided to get a small propane gas water heater with a say 3 gallon tank....but guess what, they are no where to be found, at least I couldn't. Maybe I should just take luke warm solar showers? lol

[kbatku]

what's wrong with your wiring?

[Chief Joseph]

Well, it's a recreational property and the previous owners pretty much did the bare minimum in the wiring. I have a 10x20 structure with a single outlet with 2 plug ins. Then I have a pump house with the same and one more just below the fuse box on the power pole. So I have many multiple plug surge protector type outlets in use. I have a neighbor who says he will help me upgrade the wiring, hopefully before winter since I plan to live there full time within the next 6 months.

[Chico]

[Chief Joseph]

Thanks Chico...I decided to go with this one since it's very portable so great for camping too... http://www.homedepot.com/s/portable%2520gas%2520water%2520heater?NCNI-5 It seems to have very good reviews as well, although for camping or off the grid use, you need a 12v electric pump to apply water pressure. Plus one could still use it during power outages by using a deep cycle marine battery with the 12v pump. Coleman makes a camping model with a built in pump, more $ though, $290.

[Daryl]

RV water heaters work off propane and/or electric and have 6 or 10 gallon tanks. Might do what you want? Cost may be higher because anything that says RV usually costs more... ETA: Ehh, not too bad http://www.easternmarine.com/RV-Camper-Water-Heaters

[Chief Joseph]

Yes, that would be an option as well and the price is lower than I would have thought too. I like the fact that the one I'm getting is very portable and being tank less, should be a bit more fuel efficient. Plus it was $118 and comes with attachments and a shower head designed specifically for the unit.

[Daryl]

For your use that seems perfect, I didn't know those existed. Nice that the perfect solution is also the cheapest!

[Frosty]

I have an on demand propane water heater in the cabin and it works fine for doing the dishes and having an outside shower now and again...pure luxury!

[wolffie]

Our original electric water heater started leaking at 35 years. The one I replaced it with started leaking at 10 years, just past warranty (two heating elements had failed during that time; the first one 1 month past warranty). "Yup, they've got it engineered to the year," my knowledgeable bro-in-law cynically (and correctly) remarked. I figured that somebody somewhere makes a water heater that lasts. I got a Rheem Marathon lifetime water heater for about twice the cost of the disposable 10-year ones. Marketed through rural electric co-ops; I drove to North Bend to get it. Plastic, well-insulated, efficient. I have it on a timer -- on for an hour in the morning -- on-demand with a handy pushbutton on the accessible timer. No reason to heat water when you're not using it.

[Hikingqueen]

I'm late to the party, but if you didn't replace YET...Call my husband that's what we do... Innovative Thermal Solutions Inc - Brent 253-830-4550 tell him you know me...Tankless are Expensive! Janelle

[Billoutwest]

We went tankless just over three years ago and love it. Numbers: It cost $2800 but after tax and utility rebates we were just under $1800. Those reductions have been reduced by about ½ as I understand it so that would now cost $2300 or thereabouts. We had a good local outfit do the job and I would never consider DIY. A big reason is loss of warranty. Two summers ago when we had all the other gas stuff off or not installed yet we were spending 8 cents a shower/dishwasher cycle for the gas to heat our water. We do have a 40 ft run from heater to shower. Lets look at that: Summer. Not so much hot water needed. Doesn't include the electricity to run the units controls. But we are still saving a goodly amount. Will it pay for that extra $1500 or so over an electric replacement heater and in what time frame? Don't know. We now do not have to care for that rod that went down through the electric water heater. We do have to clean its air intake filter yearly and do a vinegar flush about every 12 months to be legal. However, we really don't have to be that regular because our water is not even remotely hard. We can do unlimited showers and dishwashings all at once. (This because we went with a Groehe shower fixture with a thermostat that regulates stupid husband mistakes like I've been known for.) A substantial mistake we made was mounting the tankless on a wood wall. Its a little bit noisy and it sounds like a train coming in the distance. The unit we got claimed a 97% efficiency. The heat going out is almost nothing. In a PVC pipe of all things. We now have a kitchen gas cooktop range, BBQ, heater and the tankless on NG. If you do go with a NG appliance set up the gas plumbing coming in with T's etc for future appliances. We had done that and felt good. The natural gas plumbing is about the only thing one cannot do legally yourself on your homes construction or remodeling. THAT HAS TO BE DONE BY A PLUMBER. Plumbers do charge, BTW.

[Chico]

[Billoutwest]