wrote in message
ps.com...
There is only one thing to do with a 15yr old gas hot water heater,
especially one that is giving any hint of problems. Replace it before
it bursts a leak and you have potentially huge damage. Knowing it's 15
years old, I'd replace it even if it was still working fine. 10yrs or
so is the typical life of these and they can go without warning.

That probably depends a lot on the installation, mainaintence, and local
water conditions. Replace the anode every several years may make a big
difference.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=water+heater+anode

Bob