Outside water heater close to the ocean

[StillHope]

Just after 1.5 years my Eccotemp L-5 (gas on demand)is not working.Looks like the wiring problem most likely due to salt deposits and corrosion.
(At some point it wouldn't ignite ,I changed the batteries and it still worked only after flipping the switch back and forth but just for a couple of days).
The repair most likely wouldn't be worth it.I am thinking to get another one.And before getting into a big expense I'd like to know:
1.How long yours gas on demand lasted before it stopped working?

2.Are the better brands of water heaters going to last much longer in the area close to the ocean (couple of blocks)?

3.Inside vs outside ones?

Hope to hear from people who live close to the ocean but would be grateful for any thoughts on the subject.

[KeaauRich]

Well, if you decide to go with another L-5, Amazon has them for $115 with free super saver shipping. From what I can see online, the L-5 is more of a "occasional use" heater/shower than a full-time warhorse -- they recommend it for camping, cabins, etc. It works great as our outdoor shower option, but I'm guessing I wouldn't be as happy with it if I lived down by the salt spray or used it more frequently than "every once in a while...".

We have a Rinnai LS series outdoor mounted tank-less water heater at our vacation rental cottage, and it has worked flawlessly for the past year, but it cost closer to $1,000, so there is a trade off. Also, it might be subject to the same corrosion issues down by the ocean.

If you were happy with the L5, I might be inclined to just buy a new one and swap it out rather than go to the expense of hiring a plumber to install something else.

[StillHope]

Thank you,KeauuRich.I am not happy with L-5 - hard to take normal shower in windy conditions.I didn't get it by choice but it doesn't matter now.
About the installation of a different one - I was told that the connections are the same.The one you have is rated the best in some consumer reports.
Cheap stuff is the most expensive one usually.
Expensive gas-on demand water heaters often come with electronics .So it would be very useful to know how long they last close to the ocean or how often the maintenance needed and what kind of maintenance.

[Carey]

We have a smaller electric Stiebel Eltron point of use heater that we have had for 5.5 years with no problem, but we are not right near the ocean & we had it in a exterior cabinet (it is on the ocean side of the house & we have noted that everything on that side does corrode more than the other side of the house, including all of our "Lifetime" hardware!)

Whatever you choose, is it possible to build a protective cabinet outside for your flash heater? IE one made of metal framing & Hardipanel... not to hard for a mildly handy person to construct...

[StillHope]

Thank you,Carey!
It's a very useful advice.The unit is on the side of the house,plenty of space.How far from the propane water heater cabinet walls should be?
I don't care about any codes,just reasonable safety .

[Carey]

Safety is very much an issue.... there are vented & ventless propane on demands, and anything that heats up can cause fume &/or flame problems. (why we chose metal (Al) framing & Hardipanel with appropriate space clearances (electric are much different than gas for clearances, & do not have venting issues...)

[StillHope]

Thank you.Will look into ventless types.

[Bullwinkle]

Before tossing it - try cleaning the battery terminals with a pencil eraser end, do the same with all of the spade terminals you can get to easily and change out that $2.00 of and on switch while you have it open. Odds are that will bring it back to life.

I am on year 4 on my two $125.00 ecotemp L 10'S I did have to solder up a leak on the heating coil of one of them - they are very simple machines.

Salt water spray an in the air will eventually corrode most metals.

Puna a lot like living on a cruising boat 'cept we have a sears - grin

[StillHope]

Thank you,Bullwinkle.If they lasted more than 4 years -good to know.

[David M]

Not familiar with that one, but check if there is water filter that could possibly reduce the flow. My Tagaki has one on the the cold inlet that needs cleaning every couple of years.

David

Ninole Resident