"Bill" wrote in message
oups.com...
We have a (guess) at least 10 yr old Rheem electric water heater
(40gal) that has a defective bottom heating element. I have also
drained this guy to remove sediment. I can repair this guy for about
20 bucks.

Depends on how the wallet is doing today. For 20 buck, you may get another
few years out of it. If not, it is not a very big loss. At $75 or more,
I've vote to replace.