[RKDinOKC]

My old water heater lasted 31years. Just couldn't bring myself to install one of the cheap ones from the home improvement places. And because the plumbing, placement, and venting no longer met code, I just called a good plumber and had a good one installed. The brand is AO Smith, rated highest in consumer reports.

My brother pointed out that I could have just done it myself (he would help) and I wouldn't have had to worry about all that code stuff. The only problem is that when he helps me do stuff like that it usually ends up being a fiasco that costs and takes 3 or 4 times what it should.

Now mine sits on a pan plumbed to the drain so if it starts leaking it does not wash the garage floor.