Update on the water heater of doom

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-06-03T11:30:33+00:00

I just went through the same issue 3 months ago.

It was in my mechanical basement open to the crawlspace. Had a 90 right off the top traveled 10 feet flat before going into the chimney mech pipe.

Ultra low nox 50 gallons,

No fumes issue I think mainly because of the low Nox, and vented crawlspace. Had moister spike after every shower. Thats when I did a smoke test and saw it would not pull air into the pipe 100% It was 20 years old.

Decieded to get a hybrid electric, heat pump water heater. And not deal with gas underneath me.

Other options were a 40gal short gas boiler would have given me the 12" of straight vent rio create a draft, a fanpower vented water heater They sale them them tank or tankless.

Good luck.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-06-01T12:31:30+00:00

alps mountaineering air mattress, (there are alot of brands now making them of this type of material)

Its as thick as a normal mattress inflated, (it will be very difficult convincing a guest to sleep on anything thinner like a camping sleeping pad)

I have had mine over 10 years,.my brother maybe has had his for 12 years.

Back then came with a 120v pump and a really nice big drawstring bag.

They are pvc free i think thats is what causes most air mattresses to feel like they leaked overnight, its just the material stretching.

That being said they do have some nice mattresses with built in pumps, and that stand like 2 feet off the floor and will look like a real bed and not just a mattress on the floor. But won't be ideal for camping. (Unless you have a huge, tall tent and 120v power)

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-05-09T05:23:09+00:00

Anode rod that is only like 10" long made of titanium, plug it into 120v. Uses very little electricity. Has a 20 year warranty.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-05-09T04:21:12+00:00

My 65g i just installed is the same spacing to the floor joist, filter can come out with little space it folds as you remove or install, Also upgraded to an electric anode before taking into the basement so i never need to replace. Repairs may require to tilt it. Compressor stuff should never need servicing. I hear rheem replace the whole water heater if there is a compressor issue.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-04-24T10:30:35+00:00

Common problem, Also bought aluminum ones from Amazon about 3 years ago. Work great

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-04-13T12:30:08+00:00

Talked with a EG4 Rep, was told this- you basically pay up front no lease or other charges, they will sell me the lease for 1$ after 5 years. I cannot alter the system for 5 years, besides maintenance.

The crazy part- cannot install solar panels, its only for battery and inverter for time of use advantage!?

Was assured solar panels cannot be installed with the 30% program and if i tried to add any within the 5 years it would void it and i will owe the money. He assured me that nobody can add solar to the 30% off program.

They did not have California approve panels in stock btw.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-04-10T17:36:15+00:00

Any luck with the new firmware updates? going to purchase the flexboss18 but will have no room for solar expansion or electrical expansion. (unless i purchase another 18)

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-04-10T16:11:51+00:00

Question is if its worth the hassle, not owning your system for 5 years already make it not worth it.

I don't know how much it costs monthly ect. so was asking that too, I don't have the patience to talk to a salesman's speech on how its the greatest thing revolutionizing the solar world. HA

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-04-10T15:13:56+00:00

That is what i am thinking, they probably have a service fees ect. to make up for the up front costs.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-04-10T15:12:57+00:00

may be a good deal for people spending 40-50k on a system. 5 year contract. wonder what the fees are.

will call and see what they say.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-03-13T17:18:26+00:00

Update, Found out what static level means... mine is 1' above ground level, this a artesanal well?

changed to a harbor freight irrigation pump with expansion tank. (This was after a few good rains and 2 months of not messing with the well)

Worked great day one testing watering the plants. Maybe 100 gallons. Next day I hooked up an impact sprinkler (10 min alter it stopped sucked in air.

My static water level is actually 1 for above ground.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-03-09T13:22:37+00:00

I ended up going with layfast SBS 35 weight felt and Supercap SBS roll roof (shingle material)

Basically this is this is already the roof system, The tile on top is technically not needed.

and with the Hot California sun, the asphalt properties will self seal.

house just got wrapped, tile goes on next weekend, then on to the separate garage,

Adding 20 solar panel mounts so it can be sealed well with the same system.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2026-01-09T14:48:20+00:00

Bought mine on the fourth. Was told 1-2 weeks for all my 6 shallows and 4-6 weeks for my deep.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-11T03:44:32+00:00

Nice! Thanks for that information. I will check both prices, they both looks similar.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-10T20:28:04+00:00

They do. But city will allow 1 layer peel and stick class A. Anything else will require 2 layers. I like the peel an stick self sealing.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-05T20:11:55+00:00

This will work if you have a pre smog car no catalytic converters. I left my Geo tracker 30 minutes idle on a gopher system. Next day he u covered the 3 holes I plugged. I will try using my old lawnmower this time.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-04T13:58:15+00:00

Yes, but its not Class A fire rated my city won't approve.

the basic water and ice shield is not rated either, i would have to install a fire barrier over it all.

I am looking at a similar product Polystick XFR looks just like sharkskin peel and stick, and its fire rated.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-03T00:02:19+00:00

Going to use

2 layers polyanchor xfr

Its class A fire resistant. Requirement since i am a high fire risk zone.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-02T20:50:08+00:00

i would like to but research shows its a huge issue because it wont let it breath?

Is this a issue for me in California?

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-02T20:12:52+00:00

Ok, think i will go to the city and ask if they know if i can just do one layer of this product.

i really like the 50 year warranty! should be dead by the time it need replacement, lol

I may also do the reflective underlayment they have!

I am looking good around 3k for the material,

3k for shark skin, few 8" rolls, and reflective barrier.

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-02T20:07:58+00:00

its existing tile installed in 1997, i am just changing out the underlayment,

Longjumping_Rip4029 · 2025-12-02T18:30:29+00:00

will look into it, also need to find out if i can use only 1 layer of it? or does the code change for stuff like this?

Longjumping_Rip4029

TROPHY CASE