No Hot Water Heaters over 50 gallons now at Lowes or Home Depot

[IslandTractor]

I had sediment problems for years until I installed a Y strainer and filter for the whole house. It didn't cost very much but sure has made a difference in valves lasting longer without any problems.
View attachment 460965
Every month or so I open the valve under the Y strainer and blow out any sediment. The filter lasts about 1-2 years.

I also added one of those that I installed to filter water as it came into our summer house. Turns out, in my case, that the sediment problems I was having were related more to deteriorating galvanized pipe inside. Bummer. Now in the process of bypassing all the old plumbing with PEX.

 

[JRobyn]

They need to build a wall around California!!!

Let's get Mexico to pay for it!

:stirthepot:

 

[cat fever]

I also added one of those that I installed to filter water as it came into our summer house. Turns out, in my case, that the sediment problems I was having were related more to deteriorating galvanized pipe inside. Bummer. Now in the process of bypassing all the old plumbing with PEX.

You'll never regret going with PEX. Great stuff!

 

[IslandTractor]

You'll never regret going with PEX. Great stuff!

Yep. I've already replaced some sections of pipe with it and invested in a crimping tool. I only wish I had a HD (not really, yick!) on our island so I could get the fittings I forget to bring with me more quickly. My project for this coming summer will be to replace some copper pipes that I have trouble draining properly each winter. Love the fact that PEX is freeze tolerant.

 

[Zerk]

I know someone who had rodents in the basement eat PEX

 

[buckeyefarmer]

If a store had to get my permit number in order to sell me a water heater, I'd buy it elsewhere. Im sure that was a local govt requirement, store probably hates it.
Course i live within 30 miles of 2 other states.

 

[IslandTractor]

I know someone who had rodents in the basement eat PEX

Yes, I've heard of this too though it is rare. I used some old surplus 2" poly water pipe as a protective shield over the PEX in exposed areas (crawl space). Simple to do for insurance.

 

[Zerk]

If a store had to get my permit number in order to sell me a water heater, I'd buy it elsewhere. Im sure that was a local govt requirement, store probably hates it.
Course i live within 30 miles of 2 other states.

Ya but you are on the east coast. If we could get rid of coastal states we would be pretty good.

 

[MarkF48]

I've a feeling that stores like Lowe's and maybe Home Depot use the licensed contractor/permit ploy as a means to push services they offer.

Get It Installed by a Lowe's Professional

 

[Zerk]

Do they make much on that, or is it a way to sell stuff to people who can't do it.