--209.6.x.xxx

Not sure how you got such a bad string of failures. Maybe the maintenance is causing the problem, and "let sleeping dogs lie" is the new method to try? --184.4.xx.xx

I'm with Sid. I never do anything with my water heaters even the one in my own house. The last one in my house lasted almost 30 years and I have one in a rental that is over 15 years old. Unless they are showing rust at the bottom or start leaking, I leave them alone. When they do need to be replaced, I have been switching them from gas to electric because the gas water heaters are more complicated and don't seem to last as long. --99.165.xx.xxx

I'm with Sid as well. Are your properties on a well? If so, I'd have the water tested. Or....consult with a local plumber and see what they think might be going on..... --73.2.xx.xx

I do nothing with them, the cost of having someone messing with them isnt worth it,they die when they die --74.77.xx.xx

As Did does as well. The gas ones keep on keeping on. I use Lowe's to install. They schedule and install same day or next day. They pull permits --172.59.xxx.x

Good grief spell correct... Sid(mo) keeps changing it to Did! Sid did! --172.59.xxx.x

If using a gas boiler or oil boiler the better option is to buy a indirect hot water made of stainless steel where no anode rod. Bradford White makes this type of water heater. The advantage with indirect hot water tank is efficiency along with at 3 times the amount of hot water as a boiler has higher BTU rating then a direct fired hot water tank also in stand by when no hot water is required the heat loss is less then one degree per hour where a direct fired hot water tank has a open stack that losses 7 to 12 degrees per hour. Well more expensive upfront the operating costs along only have drain tank once in while. Remember the immersion coil temperature is the same as boiler temperature which much lower then a flame at the bottom of tank. Second option is to buy a demand hot water heater like a Takagi which is sold at lowes under another name then only flush out once in while where 95 per cent efficient instead 55 per cent efficiency. Hard water locations require a water softner. In 2005 returned the rental hot water tank then installed a Takagi demand gas water heater where only cleaned. While was more expensive upfront the water heater only heats when hot water is required along with no anode rod. It is referred to a tankless as no storage of hot water. --207.236.xxx.xxx

I’ll repair them at a component level when they fail, but if it involves me dragging a 3/4” drive ratchet to change an anode, I’m out. At that point, it’s no longer worth my time. I’ll drain them every 5 or so years, but that’s about it. None of mine will cause damage when they fail, so I drive em til they blow. --172.56.xxx.xx

--69.80.xx.xx

I also replace the standard anodes with an ELECTRIFIED Version. This doubles or triples the life of a 6-9 year water heater. --47.155.xx.xxx

Last one I replaced had sediment up to the lower element. I swapped elements but ended up removing the whole unit. Started showing signs of rust so I figured why try and wash it out. --107.147.xx.xx

I closed on a place this week. The hot water tank is an old old AO Smith, from 1994. I was impressed. But with this being a new purchase, I want to make sure I have piece of mind. --24.101.xxx.xxx

I changed out one about 5 years ago...a Bradford White from 1962! In continuous use and failed after more than 50 years! --69.80.xx.xx

Unless it is a must, I don't replace. Don't drain, maybe replace an element once in awhile. --73.230.xxx.xx