You should replace your Rheem water heater based on age, performance, and maintenance rather than a fixed schedule, but general guidelines exist. For a standard Rheem tank-style gas or electric water heater with a 6-year warranty, the average useful life is 8 to 12 years. For models with 9-year or 12-year warranties that have better anode rods and thicker glass lining, life expectancy can be 12 to 15 years if maintained. Rheem Marathon non-metallic tanks can last 20 years or more. You should consider replacement when your unit is approaching or past its warranty period and shows signs of failure such as rusty water, rumbling or popping noises from sediment buildup, water pooling around the base indicating a tank leak, insufficient hot water, or frequent tripping of the reset button. Regular maintenance can extend life significantly. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment, check and replace the anode rod every 3 to 5 years, test the temperature and pressure relief valve annually, and keep the thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce stress. If your water heater is over 10 years old, has never been flushed, and you notice any of the warning signs, it is more cost-effective to proactively replace it before it fails and floods your home rather than waiting for catastrophic failure.
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