On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 12:08:53 -0500, "tivo-guy" wrote:

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.


I probably would not bother it until it fails to heat. You have a
catch pan with drain pipe for the heater, right? I have seen a water
heater to last 40 years, but that's not too common.