Replacement for Seaward S600 water heater

[Obi Wan]

The day after I took delivery of my 34 O'Day, the Seaward S600 water heater blew from corrosion. I took it out and it looks like there are readily available replacements for around $250. I'm wondering though, since one corroded out, that might happen again - are there better alternatives?

[colemj]

The Seaward heaters are aluminum. Some of the other brands are stainless, which may hold up longer, but will probably cost more.

Yours lasted 30yrs before failure, so I suspect that the failure of the next one probably won't be your concern.

Mark

[HopCar]

Isotemp water heaters have stainless tanks and Raritan uses glass lined steel tanks.
Both better than aluminum but as Mark pointed out, more expensive.
Look for a water heater with a mixing valve that allows you to keep the water at a higher temp but mixes cold water with it as it comes out of the tank. This gives you more usable hot water and prevents scalding.
Isotherm SPA Water Heaters

[Obi Wan]

Originally Posted by colemj

Yours lasted 30yrs before failure, so I suspect that the failure of the next one probably won't be your concern.

Mark

Well, if it did last 30 years, then that would be true. However, I have no idea if that's the original heater or not. That's why I asked the question. If these Seawards typically last 30 years, then I would certainly just get another one. But if they last 2 or 3 years, then it's not money well spent.

So I guess my real question is, how many years do users typically get out of the Seawards?

[Obi Wan]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Look for a water heater with a mixing valve that allows you to keep the water at a higher temp but mixes cold water with it as it comes out of the tank. This gives you more usable hot water and prevents scalding.
Heaters[/url]

Thank you for that advice.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Obi Wan

Well, if it did last 30 years, then that would be true. However, I have no idea if that's the original heater or not. That's why I asked the question. If these Seawards typically last 30 years, then I would certainly just get another one. But if they last 2 or 3 years, then it's not money well spent.

So I guess my real question is, how many years do users typically get out of the Seawards?

I don't know the average, but ours is 17yrs old now.

Mark

[HopCar]

I think the aluminum water heaters give good value for your money. I just have a dislike for water stored in contact with aluminum. I once cut open an old aluminum water tank and there was corrosion and a strange jelly like substance on the inside.