The first thing you need to do is check the anode and the dip tube. The
best thing I have ever seen on water heaters is he

http://waterheaterrescue.com/

When you read through the information here you might very well take steps to
make the one you have last as long as you own your house.

--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.


"tivo-guy" wrote in message
...
I'm looking for some advice on when to replace a water heater. Obviously
when it ruptures and water goes all over your basement is a good time, but
prior to that, what is a good rule of thumb. The reason I'm asking is
that
our local gas company is offering a $200 rebate to customers for their
purchase and installation of a new water heater. Our 50-gal water heater
appears to be functioning just fine but it's 10 years old. From what I can
tell it has a 5 year warranty from Rheem. I'm wondering if it would be
wise,
or overly cautious, to replace it at this point. Any advice? Thanks.