Crap! My water heater went out, leaked all over the back of my

[Demonaut]

townhome, any suggestions on who to use for a new one? Sears looks like a logical choice but I've never done this before.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

1. I recommend getting a rheem

In my experience they are about the best bet for the money. The warranty department is great to work with if you have any problems. You can get a 3, 5 or 10 year warranty heaters. If you plan on staying any length of time I recommend getting the best you can afford. Check around and see if you can find someone local who carries them. Also, replace the flex lines when you replace the heater. They sometimes leak after you remove them and they have been on for a long time. :)

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. Contact a restoration company, for the water damage.

You need to have your home checked for hidden water damage, which can cause mold growth, etc. . Most homeowner's policies will cover at least part of the cost. As to a water heater, we use Sears' appliances, and are very happy with them.

:)

[shraby]

3. Check with your utilities company

sometimes they have good prices on water heaters and can add it to your bill so you pay for it in increments.
We did it that way before.

[politicat]

4. Sorry about the water.... That sucks.

We've had that happen. Sigh...

For a recommendation: we had this water heater in the last house I rented. Neatest thing since pockets. You NEVER ran out of hot water.

http://www.tanklesswaterheaters.com/

We had one of these.
http://www.tanklesswaterheaters.com/takagiheaters.html

Plus, with a tankless, you never worry about what just happened.

Pcat

[notadmblnd]

5. They are pretty easy to replace

if you r a handy kind of guy you can pick one up for less than 200.00 and install it yourself

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

7. I replaced mine. It wasn't to hard to do.

The only bad part was I learned copper pipe can retain heat for a while. I waited fifteen minutes after soldering the pipe to the pressure relief valve to pick up the water heater and move it into place. Needless to say I sat it back down again pretty damned quick.

[Whoa_Nelly]

14. If it is a gas water heater

is a good idea to have a professional do the installation.

[pansypoo53219]

6. look for a plumber

who does them, or check water heaters in phone book.
my aunt changed he 60's/70's vintage one cause a different fix-it man said it was close. it didn't take too much $ and they took the old one out. 1 guy. less than a day. and upgraded from 30 to 40 gal.
and they seem almost the same. a foot taller.

[Philostopher]

8. If you don't know what you're doing, Sears is about the best.

We hemmed and hawed around and ultimately decided to replace ours ourselves -- it's a gas unit, and I'm paranoid about gas leaks, but my hubby was more confident of his abilities so (with an agreement that if there were any problems he'd call our gas supplier or a plumber) he put ours in.

But we priced heaters and installation, and overall Sears had the best installed price and warranty. We ended up buying one from Lowe's, but I think their delivery/installation charge would have made it more expensive than doing it ourselves.

If you have an electric heater, and you have even the most rudimentary plumbing skills, you could probably do it yourself -- the only reason I worried about it was the gas supply, my husband is pretty good with plumbing for an IT guy!

[Demonaut]

9. wanted to use choosetheblue recommendations but Lowes is not listed

and Sears donated 74% to repukes and Costco does not sell water heaters....I've read about some problems with Whirlpool water heaters too, the tankless versions recommended are a bit expensive and I only plan to live here another 2 years so it looks like Sears is the one.....oh well, thank god its not the furnace

[Philostopher]

11. If you have a local hardware store that carries them ...

you're better off than we were -- we already were boycotting Home Depot because they donate to Bush and their owner had done campaign appearances for him.

Lowe's comes up as 'better than Home Depot' in some of the index listings, though none of the 'big box' retailers are much good. Their donations were less 'red' than Home Depot's, that's about it.

Hey -- it just hit me that if you have a Costco nearby and a membership, they might be worth checking out. They carry a lot of that kind of stuff, and their prices are comparable with the big-box stores even on durable goods.

Good luck, anyhow -- I know what you're going through.

[trof]

10. Got ours from Lowes a few months ago.

50 gal Whirlpool electric. Energy saver with controls right on top where you can easily get at 'em. Lowes installed.

[opiate69]

12. Mine's going out too...

I'm hoping it'll last until tax return time, because Lowe's has 40 gallon gas models for a little over $200, but the installation might wind up running upwards of $400. I would normally replace it myself, but I really don't like messing around with gas.

[Whoa_Nelly]

13. How old is the water heater?

And how old is your townhome?
If either is not very old, check for warranty time allowance.

Be sure to use your home owners' insurance before you decide on and purchase a new water heater. Estimated damage coverage money can be accepted, then used as you wish to follow up on the clean up and new purchase.

[Demonaut]

15. it's twenty years old, probably far past its warranty

decided on a kenmore from Sears, gotta have a hot shower soon, thanks everyone!!:)