this post was submitted on 17 Jun 2023
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Old one is leaking onto the floor, so I need to replace it fast. This is the new one and the delivery guy self-signed and left before I could talk to him.

The product description says it has a glass-lined tank. Could the glass coating have been damaged?

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[–] yankeebobo 37 points 1 year ago

That’s not what you paid for regardless of whether it’s safe. But I wouldn’t

[–] generally_incorrect 26 points 1 year ago

I say send it back. Safe or not you shouldn’t be stuck with that.

Can you tilt it back and forth? Hear anything rattle?

[–] Elgordofordo86 26 points 1 year ago

If I had to guess I'd say it's likely fine. Would I risk it? Hell no! Get it replaced!

[–] Peacecraft535 25 points 1 year ago

I would err on the side of caution and send this back. You'll have to go without hot water for a few days, but it's better than installing this just find it didn't work, or worse blow your house up.

[–] Billy_Gnosis 20 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

No expert, but that looks like it took a pretty heavy hit. I probably wouldn't risk it. Depending on how bad the old one is leaking, you may want to turn the water off and deal with no water for a couple of days

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago

There should be a cold water inlet valve between the wall and the water heater you can turn off, so you'll just be out of hot water for a few days.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 year ago

Nope, anything where the box has a hole through it I refuse to accept the shipment. I've seen too many incidents where "it looks fine, it's a small hole" turn into a nightmare.

[–] MiddleWeigh 12 points 1 year ago

It's probably fine, but I'd get a replacement for sure. Not worth something potentially life threatening and house destroying over.

[–] Zebov 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I don't know, but why take the risk of an explosion (look it up), or glass anywhere near something you might ingest?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Something like this wouldn't cause an explosion, just a future failure point that could open up and leak. Explosions are pretty rare and caused by excess pressure in the tank, usually either a relief valve getting stuck or a thermostat malfunction.

I'd still get this unit replaced to avoid future headaches, but it wouldn't be an immediate safety risk.

[–] sagittarie 8 points 1 year ago

Considering how problematic water heaters can be, I'd refuse shipment on that. Especially with the glass lining. It looks like someone hit it with a forklift or something.