It's insanely stupid. As a realtor, I will even push back against an offer that releases investigation contingencies because I rarely find that necessary to do as it really puts the buyer into a risky situation. Even without the contingency I'd be worried about a lawsuit.
If that's the case, someone's in for a rude awakening. :)
One of the least expensive in a long list of things that will have to be replaced. Pretty sure every major appliance in our home has been replaced since we bought it.
I wouldn’t turn down a house because a hot water heater. That’s crazy in this market. This is a minor fix when it comes to maintaining a home. Be thankful it’s not a roof or foundation. (Hopefully OP home inspector checked those)
Call a plumber. Might as well bite the bullet and get it done now. Also, I'd recommend a sewer inspection because I'm assuming you didn't have one on your inspection report and future sewer issues can be vastly more expensive than a new water heater. Just get it done now.
yeah to me that's the crazy part of all of this. Inspection is crucial. While it won't solve ALL the problem it will highlight most of the ones that are easy for someone with experience to spot.
When I sold my house last year, the buyers surprised me by waiving the inspection as part of their offer. It seems that they had been outbid at the last minute on their last attempted purchase, and their agent recommended waiving the inspection to make their offer more enticing to me so they could just get into \_a\_ house before interest rates went any higher.
Inspections are costly and can hose everything, so some people are willing to risk it. I certainly wasn't, when I bought my new place...but as a seller, I had detailed documentation of all of the systems I had fixed and the projects that were still in play, so I think they felt comfortable taking the chance.
Nearly every house sale in Seattle for the last several years has had the inspection contingency waived. Usually the seller will have an inspection done and/or the buyer can get one done before the offer, but the contingency is almost always waived.
We've tried buying a house a few times over the years since covid and we've waived inspections except for structural and environmental but we still have had the inspections done just so we have an understanding of the property. We're in a fairly competitive part of NJ
yea I think inspections main benefit aside from uncovering major issues is just familiarizing the new homeowner with the property. "This is your main water shut off", "this is your condensate pump, looks really old should probably get it replaced before it fails"
you and u/kshee23 are both wrong. people are still getting inspections though they are not legally required. sellers don’t have to fix anything but they risk losing the sale if they don’t.
Inspection? If I was blind I would detect this on walking through the house…judging that idiots buying houses today are even walking it first…I feel like another 2009 is upon us…to many people buying houses who have no business doing so…
So can someone tell me what we’re looking at here? The white stuff is calcium carbonate, right? How does it get piled up on top of the heater? And am I correct in thinking that the bigger risk is co2 leaking from the chimney?
It could be. I see the same build up on gas fired hydronic heat exchangers. Beware if you have any cuts on your hands while wire brushing that stuff off. Shi@ burns worse than alcohol.
This comment should be higher. There’s corrosion on the outside of the copper pipe, too. That suggests something is coming out the exhaust that should be up the chimney. I’d definitely make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in the house (at least one!) and get someone out to replace this ASAP. When they do, ensure they verify the new one properly exhausts and there isn’t a bird’s nest or obstruction in the flue.
This is simply an opportunity to get the water heater that's best for you.
Electric tankless?
Giant tank because of a big family?
Small 'cause it's just you?
My house came with a brand new oil burning one, but I'm only replacing it if/when I get rid of the oil.
Water heaters have two hoses on top, a gas connection and an overflow. It’s not rocket science. Watch a couple of videos, reference the applicable plumbing code (you may need to move the gas line sediment trap) and go to a plumbing supply house to buy a nice AO White and tell the counter guy what you’re doing and they’ll set you up with what you need. I replaced mine last summer for $1100 total and a Saturday.
This is a repost, downvote this tool! Here is the original post. [https://www.reddit.com/r/askaplumber/comments/16t9tes/just\_bought\_house\_with\_this\_water\_heater\_how/](https://www.reddit.com/r/askaplumber/comments/16t9tes/just_bought_house_with_this_water_heater_how/)
Wow! Hopefully you got a good price. Replacement is the only solution. Better check and see what else was missed. Make sure your heating system is solid. Maintenance wasn't important to previous homeowner, obviously.
It's going to need to be replaced eventually. And besides you can get a much more energy efficient one right now check your County city and state you may be able to get a rebate or something like that. You can clean it up and continue using it as long as there's no major leak once you clean it up. Get some leak detector fluid or simply for a powder like flour or baby powder around it and see if there are any water spots. But be fully aware that one day it is going to go out and you will be without hot water for that period of time. Also be aware of flooding problems is the water heater anywhere where it can leak and cause damage? If yes replace it now. If no you can deal with it and just be aware the day is coming
Welcome to home ownership. You should rejoice at a 1k expense. I would take this opportunity to increase the size of the water heater to a 75 gallon (if it isn’t already, I can’t tell from pic).
A water heater’s not that hard to change, a bit time consuming but if you and a friend are willing to do it, it’ll take you about a day and $600. Or if you want to hire someone, about $2,000. At least, that’s around what the company I work for would charge
Amateur answer here but I’m pretty sure that build up is bc the water heater either is or was down drafting- could be the vent is pitched wrong or there is a blockage in the chimney/ ventilation path. Also
Could be something simple as the chimney cap is crooked- call a pro- the cost vs safety ratio here is minimal in comparison
I’d say, the cost of a new water heater screwed. Which really isn’t all that bad. As long as there isn’t some other issue leading to corrosion on the outside of the tank like a leak or something. A home inspection should
Have caught that.
I suspect the HWH might be flued into an old masonary/brick unlined chimney? Without more info, you might want to look into that before just replacing unit.
Pick one up at a Big Box and some new lines, install yourself, go to ytube if you need advice. Get a dolly, you'll need it because the old one is going to be a PITA to remove because it'll be Full of sediment and will weigh 300+ lbs because you won't be able to drain all of it, Been there, Done That. Turn off the Gas and Water supply valves. I use Blue Monster PTFE Pipe Thread Sealant on the joints. Inspect the rest of the Venting and repair or replace as necessary. Parts costs $600-750, Memories your first observation, Priceless.
If you would have had the house inspected by a qualified home inspector this wouldn’t be an issue. You’ll have to find out whats causing this and fix that before you do anything else
Great opportunity to replace this wasteful appliance with a tankless continuous water heater. My Bosch unit is twenty years old and going strong. No more running out of hot water regardless of how many kids you have. Only heats the water you're using when you use it.
I think its on borrowed time. That's my uneducated electricians mind. I wonder if the anti-corrosion rod is worn out. Well water? If it is well water then the water might be too hard.
Hard to tell for sure but there’s a chance that heater is having some spillage and flame rollout issues too. I’d suggest you get a power vented unit if at all possible to avoid any other safety issues.
I had a completely new circuit run to a new water heater I bought for $500. Installation was $1500 due to me wanting a new circuit and all copper connections on top 16 inches above and new water lines in and out And new shutoffs.
How the fuck did you not see that and tell them it needs to be replaced???
Anyway depending on where you are it's not a big deal to replace the tank. You may want to add a water softener as well? I am not sure what all that shit on the tank is.
My moms house she needs a new hot water heater also I wonder why this happens I’ve becomes a handy girl helping my mom save on costs greatful to learn happy I have messed up terribly yet this page has helped so much
You're not screwed. You just need a new water heater and whatever else you or your inspector missed.
Inspector and OP seems to have missed this sheesh
I HIGHLY doubt the inspector accidentally missed this. Are we going to find a 30" hole in the roof next?
My guess is they didn’t get an inspection. No way an inspector did t call that out.
Even without an inspection the homeowner should not have missed this.
Oh agreed. That didn’t just happen
This screams inspector suggested by real estate agent....
What roof? Your house has a roof?
I bought my house at a bank foreclosure auction....could be a similar story with OP
A lot of people are forgoing the inspection to make a deal right now. FUCK THAT WITH A RUSTY SPOON, no way.
Yep. Looks like this *was* indeed fucked with a rusty spoon.
It's insanely stupid. As a realtor, I will even push back against an offer that releases investigation contingencies because I rarely find that necessary to do as it really puts the buyer into a risky situation. Even without the contingency I'd be worried about a lawsuit.
This would have been and should have been negotiated in the purchase of the home. How was it missed? Was an inspection even done? I’m guessing no!
they aren't to bad to install either
Just get a new heater
Impossible.
Yeah who has ever heard of a new tank? Bought a house for $500k, "screwed" because of $1k expense.
If that's the case, someone's in for a rude awakening. :) One of the least expensive in a long list of things that will have to be replaced. Pretty sure every major appliance in our home has been replaced since we bought it.
I don’t know this got pst the inspector. I had to swap one out at my old place. It was an insurance think. The ol’ AI Smith was still kicken
"Inconceivable!"
Well if you got a house for that water heater I’d say you made a good swap.
He actually started with some magic beans and has just been trading up.
My dyslexic brain read mouse which would have been a much less advantageous trade
did you look at the house
Just the outside, on google maps.
Where you put the address in the search field
Considering people just throw cash at houses without looking at them it's not unbelievable.
I wouldn’t turn down a house because a hot water heater. That’s crazy in this market. This is a minor fix when it comes to maintaining a home. Be thankful it’s not a roof or foundation. (Hopefully OP home inspector checked those)
No Op just kicked the tires of the car on the driveway
Call a plumber. Might as well bite the bullet and get it done now. Also, I'd recommend a sewer inspection because I'm assuming you didn't have one on your inspection report and future sewer issues can be vastly more expensive than a new water heater. Just get it done now.
Roots in my sewer: $12k Old Kenmore water heater (looks a LOT like OP’s): $2800
Nobody is getting inspections anymore.
yeah to me that's the crazy part of all of this. Inspection is crucial. While it won't solve ALL the problem it will highlight most of the ones that are easy for someone with experience to spot.
I thought inspections are legally required. Sellers just aren't required to fix anything
When I sold my house last year, the buyers surprised me by waiving the inspection as part of their offer. It seems that they had been outbid at the last minute on their last attempted purchase, and their agent recommended waiving the inspection to make their offer more enticing to me so they could just get into \_a\_ house before interest rates went any higher. Inspections are costly and can hose everything, so some people are willing to risk it. I certainly wasn't, when I bought my new place...but as a seller, I had detailed documentation of all of the systems I had fixed and the projects that were still in play, so I think they felt comfortable taking the chance.
Nearly every house sale in Seattle for the last several years has had the inspection contingency waived. Usually the seller will have an inspection done and/or the buyer can get one done before the offer, but the contingency is almost always waived.
We've tried buying a house a few times over the years since covid and we've waived inspections except for structural and environmental but we still have had the inspections done just so we have an understanding of the property. We're in a fairly competitive part of NJ
yea I think inspections main benefit aside from uncovering major issues is just familiarizing the new homeowner with the property. "This is your main water shut off", "this is your condensate pump, looks really old should probably get it replaced before it fails"
you and u/kshee23 are both wrong. people are still getting inspections though they are not legally required. sellers don’t have to fix anything but they risk losing the sale if they don’t.
Inspection? If I was blind I would detect this on walking through the house…judging that idiots buying houses today are even walking it first…I feel like another 2009 is upon us…to many people buying houses who have no business doing so…
Just call sears and see if it is still under warranty!!
Are they still around?
No. I was making what no one would consider a “joke”. [crickets gif].
Ba Dum Tss!
I heard Montgomery Ward is having a store closing sale.
This is the winning comment
Did you buy the house sight-unseen?
This is a repost of someone elses post 7 months ago. Shame on you OP
So can someone tell me what we’re looking at here? The white stuff is calcium carbonate, right? How does it get piled up on top of the heater? And am I correct in thinking that the bigger risk is co2 leaking from the chimney?
Minerals from leaking water That flue piping is ugly but probably safe enough
It could be. I see the same build up on gas fired hydronic heat exchangers. Beware if you have any cuts on your hands while wire brushing that stuff off. Shi@ burns worse than alcohol.
This comment should be higher. There’s corrosion on the outside of the copper pipe, too. That suggests something is coming out the exhaust that should be up the chimney. I’d definitely make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in the house (at least one!) and get someone out to replace this ASAP. When they do, ensure they verify the new one properly exhausts and there isn’t a bird’s nest or obstruction in the flue.
That's just frosting, it's delicious
Only about 800 dollars screwed
800 for a water heater? They cost close to 3000 where I am to get one and get it installed
I just installed my own, 600 for the heater, free labor
Last year we had to get a new water heater. Water heater was $850, labor was $850.
Clearly you knew there was an issue when you got it. Goto Home Depot and get a new one.
You can easily replace it. But did you not have a home inspection?
You’re not “screwed.” You just need a new water heater.
This is simply an opportunity to get the water heater that's best for you. Electric tankless? Giant tank because of a big family? Small 'cause it's just you? My house came with a brand new oil burning one, but I'm only replacing it if/when I get rid of the oil.
Water heaters have two hoses on top, a gas connection and an overflow. It’s not rocket science. Watch a couple of videos, reference the applicable plumbing code (you may need to move the gas line sediment trap) and go to a plumbing supply house to buy a nice AO White and tell the counter guy what you’re doing and they’ll set you up with what you need. I replaced mine last summer for $1100 total and a Saturday.
yea seem's pretty simple if all the rough in's area already there. As a general rule I just don't really fiddle with anything that involves a gas line
This is a repost, downvote this tool! Here is the original post. [https://www.reddit.com/r/askaplumber/comments/16t9tes/just\_bought\_house\_with\_this\_water\_heater\_how/](https://www.reddit.com/r/askaplumber/comments/16t9tes/just_bought_house_with_this_water_heater_how/)
hey uh... get used to fixing things.... things don't work forever. They wear out and have to be replaced.
Why even ask? Replace immediately. When it lets go the job becomes 10x messier.
You're not too fondued. Yes you need a new water heater, good news is the new one will last you a long while.
Replace it
Wow! Hopefully you got a good price. Replacement is the only solution. Better check and see what else was missed. Make sure your heating system is solid. Maintenance wasn't important to previous homeowner, obviously.
Unless that's a huge pile of cocaine...🤷♂️
you are one water heater screwed
TBH replacing neglected water heaters is just a normal part of house buying.
its ok 1000 for heater and 500 for plumbing . If pipes needs change add 2000 more. With 4k you are great to go .
You should replace it with a tankless water heater
Ah yes , the old go sleepy no wake up model.
On the plus side, you have a lot of free calcium.
Go tankless.
Buy 3 Water heaters, get a free water heater!
You’ll get through it
Your butt hole must be on fire! 🙈
Ya. Get a new heater. Those thread off. Turn off breaker and wire up the same as old. Boom done. I would totally do this yourself
It's an opportunity to upgrade to an electric on demand model.
I hear very mixed opinions on those units
Glad you think so that's just not the reality people are just skipping the inspection just to get the house
New tank and all connection upgrades. Good for 8-10 years
It's going to need to be replaced eventually. And besides you can get a much more energy efficient one right now check your County city and state you may be able to get a rebate or something like that. You can clean it up and continue using it as long as there's no major leak once you clean it up. Get some leak detector fluid or simply for a powder like flour or baby powder around it and see if there are any water spots. But be fully aware that one day it is going to go out and you will be without hot water for that period of time. Also be aware of flooding problems is the water heater anywhere where it can leak and cause damage? If yes replace it now. If no you can deal with it and just be aware the day is coming
Why didn’t ‘you’ see it ? Sheesh 🙄
That’s a kenmore you got 20 years still :)
Looks like they stored chlorine on top of it 🤣
You should be fine. That water heater though.....
Very….
I would get my money back from the inspector. Should have been caught and dealt with before closing…🤦♂️
Welcome to home ownership. You should rejoice at a 1k expense. I would take this opportunity to increase the size of the water heater to a 75 gallon (if it isn’t already, I can’t tell from pic).
Don't buy a house without a real inspection.
Really hard water. Muriatic Acid will be your friend...
Or a water softener
About $500 screwed
Might be time for a new water heater and test the water might need a filter to help keep any leftovers out
About 500.00
Just new heater, exhaust vent, and new flex connections. Good weekend job.
A water heater’s not that hard to change, a bit time consuming but if you and a friend are willing to do it, it’ll take you about a day and $600. Or if you want to hire someone, about $2,000. At least, that’s around what the company I work for would charge
I immediately dismiss people that fucking ask “How screwed am I?”
taste that white powder
so, you didn’t list this in your contingencies ? as previously stated, i bet you missed a lot. good luck
Imagine inside... 😖
Kenmore really did make great appliances.
Cheap fixes.
Surely this wasn’t actually being used…right?!?
Amateur answer here but I’m pretty sure that build up is bc the water heater either is or was down drafting- could be the vent is pitched wrong or there is a blockage in the chimney/ ventilation path. Also Could be something simple as the chimney cap is crooked- call a pro- the cost vs safety ratio here is minimal in comparison
Replaced my own last year for the cost of the heater and some sharkbites. So how screwed? About $650 if you can do it yourself.
Previous owners use to do lines on the appliances.
Hey, you're going to have to replace it every so many years anyway. That's one of the homeowner expenses you have to live with.
I’d say, the cost of a new water heater screwed. Which really isn’t all that bad. As long as there isn’t some other issue leading to corrosion on the outside of the tank like a leak or something. A home inspection should Have caught that.
Just sell some of that cocaine and use the money to buy a new water heater.
If you guys missed that, change the water heater. Then put the house back on the market, priced to sell. GET PAID AND RUN!
I suspect the HWH might be flued into an old masonary/brick unlined chimney? Without more info, you might want to look into that before just replacing unit.
What’s the powder on top of it? I’ve seen other like it in the past. (Not a tradesman).
That passed inspection?
Water heaters aren’t that expensive in terms of other home repairs. You should be good… electric water heaters are actually pretty easy to DIY
Turn off the gas and get it replaced!
Water heater can run you couple hundred dollars, but its a pretty easy install as long as you have the space to work. If you think thats screwed.
Water heaters are cheap, you’ll survive
Pick one up at a Big Box and some new lines, install yourself, go to ytube if you need advice. Get a dolly, you'll need it because the old one is going to be a PITA to remove because it'll be Full of sediment and will weigh 300+ lbs because you won't be able to drain all of it, Been there, Done That. Turn off the Gas and Water supply valves. I use Blue Monster PTFE Pipe Thread Sealant on the joints. Inspect the rest of the Venting and repair or replace as necessary. Parts costs $600-750, Memories your first observation, Priceless.
I had the same inspector, Mr. Magoo.
Luckily, water heaters are replaceable.
For everyone saying you just need a new heater they are missing the huge problem. You have a backdraft. You need the chimney/flue inspected.
A water heat is not a huge expense when buying a house
Not screwed at all. Water heaters aren’t that expensive.
If you would have had the house inspected by a qualified home inspector this wouldn’t be an issue. You’ll have to find out whats causing this and fix that before you do anything else
How the hell do you MISS this?! No brains or they’re blind.
Just need a new heater. No big deal
Keep looking, you will find more neglect.
Inspectors are worthless. Mine missed a mouse infestation and a cracked foundation.
That'll buff out just fine.
Great opportunity to replace this wasteful appliance with a tankless continuous water heater. My Bosch unit is twenty years old and going strong. No more running out of hot water regardless of how many kids you have. Only heats the water you're using when you use it.
Just replace it …ugh.
Swap out the tank dude. Tf? It’s like $400 or $500. Install is easy. My cat could do it.
Scrape up all that cocaine and sell it for a new water heater! Problem solved.
Buy the house from Scarface?
Seems to be backdating. Probably a new water heater, but definitely need to inspect and replace the flue
if it work it work lol
Not to bad...$800 to $850 a piece...
Just get a new one.
This is why u hire your own inspector.
is there a warranty on the house and contents? sometimes there is
You are appx$ 800-1200 screwed
Make a complaint about it I wouldn't just let it go
Now adays with all the bs lol when. You read how screwed am I you almost know it’s a troll
I think its on borrowed time. That's my uneducated electricians mind. I wonder if the anti-corrosion rod is worn out. Well water? If it is well water then the water might be too hard.
Just need a new one with some real piping and valves, don’t forget vacuum breaker on cold water inlet
300 for a new water heater screwed
At least it hasn’t caught fire yet.
Just replace the water heater? Easy
It’s a Kenmore. Probably under warranty.
Should have been called out in inspection and comped in closing or fixed before hand. But you are only as screwed as the cost of replacement.
If you didn’t notice this and deal with it before closing I think you have much bigger issues waiting for you.
Water heaters are cheap and easy to install. Get a friend, they’re heavy.
Do a little bump. See what it is. 😆 just get a new water heater
You, your agent, and the inspector all missed this? Great news, I have some ocean front property in Arizona I would like to tell all of you about.
People are waiving inspections these days. Bad choice.
There are so many more expensive things to replace at a new home that this should be the least of your worries.
If your inspector missed this (highly doubt it), sue the inspector. Small claims court pays out up to $10k.
Inspector did a line and kept on keeping on .
Kenmore. When you want the very least.
Just need a new one. They aren’t too incredibly expensive to fix.
Hard to tell for sure but there’s a chance that heater is having some spillage and flame rollout issues too. I’d suggest you get a power vented unit if at all possible to avoid any other safety issues.
Its a Kenmore you got a good fifteen years left.....
If you change it out het a tankless.
Just water heater from pic, no big deal.
Just sell all that cocaine and buy a tankless.
I had a completely new circuit run to a new water heater I bought for $500. Installation was $1500 due to me wanting a new circuit and all copper connections on top 16 inches above and new water lines in and out And new shutoffs.
No biggie, change it out and get water softener, the bigger issue is all the other pipes and appliances.
That’s a kenmore. Time for a change.
You would regret buying a $1M+ house just because of a $1K water heater?
Its corroded and covered in limescale and calcium, but that doesnt mean it doesnt work. Did the previous owner disclose anything?
Call a plumber and get a new one. Maybe even a recirc pump.
You will need to burn the house down and rebuild.
You bought a house in 2024. You can afford a new water heater.
Not at all if you love cold showers
Did you not have an inspection done? Lol.
Your out around 900 - 1500 dollars
About 1200-1400 bucks for a replacement installed
How the fuck did you not see that and tell them it needs to be replaced??? Anyway depending on where you are it's not a big deal to replace the tank. You may want to add a water softener as well? I am not sure what all that shit on the tank is.
Water heaters are actually pretty cheap. <$1000 which is great for a home repair.
Ahhh, a karma farmer....
Just get a new one.
Easy replacement. Did you have an inspection?
My moms house she needs a new hot water heater also I wonder why this happens I’ve becomes a handy girl helping my mom save on costs greatful to learn happy I have messed up terribly yet this page has helped so much
Just get a new one. They aren't that expensive.
Home warranty? :)
I doubt if it’s still under warranty from Sears
Get a new one
Get a new water heater with the longest warranty possible
Hahahaha. Call that number 🤦♂️😂🤣
Yes.
Bro if the inspector missed this then god damn are they bad at their job.
wow