INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A 39-year-old water heater has earned an Indianapolis-area woman more than just bragging rights.

Lori Shoemaker was named the winner of The Water Heater Guys’ oldest water heater contest after her 1987 unit — installed before she finished high school — was found still running at her family’s property. The three-month contest was designed to encourage homeowners to take a closer look at aging equipment before it becomes an emergency.

Shoemaker received a prize check covering the cost of her new water heater installation, presented during a recent appearance on “Lifestyle Live.”

The water heater had been in Shoemaker’s childhood home, which her daughter later purchased, keeping the property in the family. The unit gave out just before the home sale...