Dents on a newly unboxed water heater left one homeowner trying to decide whether they were looking at a real problem or just cosmetic damage.
For people already replacing an old unit, though, a bigger financial decision may be the type of water heater they choose.
Here's what to know
The new owner of a Menards water heater took their situation to Reddit's r/AskAPlumber community after they spotted several dents in the unit.
The original poster wrote in the Reddit thread, "When I opened the box, I found the dents seen in the image. Otherwise the unit looks fine. Are these worth returning the water heater to Menards and getting a replacement?"
Most replies treated the issue as purely cosmetic, and not a sign that the heater would fail.
One commenter replied, "Not worth returning unless you fill it and it leaks," and another wrote, "No. The dents won't affect the water heater at all. There is insulation under that metal." A third said, "No. Dumb things are awkward to lift and way too easy to dent. … I bet if a manufacturer started putting handles on them, plumbers would start pushing that brand."
Other commenters suggested that the OP could even request a discount. One said, "I wouldn't return it, but I'd request a discount, or partial refund." The OP later updated their post, adding, "Thanks for the input… I took [this] pic to Menards and walked away with a $50 store credit. Better than nothing!"
What can be done?
A common suggestion in the thread was for anyone upgrading to take pictures before installing a unit and ask the seller for compensation rather than a full exchange if it has superficial dents.
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If you're already shopping for a replacement, newer high-efficiency options are also worth a look, including Cala. For homeowners trying to turn a necessary replacement into long-term savings, Cala shows how a water heater upgrade can pay off well after installation day. Its "intelligent" units heat up water exactly when you need it.
Where can I learn more?
For homeowners weighing whether to keep a dented unit or move ahead with a replacement, cost is usually the next question. These articles cover water heater rebates and simple ways to catch leaks before they turn into expensive plumbing repairs.
• Homeowners replacing an aging tank found lucrative water heater rebates can trim upfront costs.
• A home expert showed owners how to detect leaks early before plumbing repairs get expensive.
• California residents can now use increased cash incentives to make water-saving upgrades cost less.
A water heater decision usually comes down to more than a dented outer jacket. Rebates and a quick check for hidden leaks can go a long way toward making a replacement worth it.
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