you will almost certinally find the tank all sluged up, and have
serious trouble removing any fittings.

i generally replace my tanks at about 8 years not waiting for them to
leak.

My plumber told me now it's average life is 8 years (hard for me to
believe) when I remember it used to be 13 to 15 years in the past.
I wonder if he's telling me the truth or trying to make more sales?-

nope new tanks today often chase low price over long life. home depoot
has been selling GE tanks with 12 year warranty last time i checked