I've seen plenty of rusty tanks during training, and while replacement seems logical, sometimes you can squeeze a bit more life out of them. Here's what I'd try first: Drain the tank completely, flush it thoroughly to clear sediment, and replace the anode rod (cheap fix, worth a shot). Wait a week or two and check the water again. If rust returns quickly, then yeah, probably time to bite the bullet. But who knows, you might get lucky and buy yourself another year or so...
Good tips overall, but honestly, once rust starts showing up, it's usually a sign the tank's days are numbered. I've tried the anode rod swap myself—worked for about six months, then the rust came back with a vengeance. Still, it's cheap enough to give it a shot before dropping cash on a new heater.
One thing I'd add: check your pressure relief valve while you're at it. If it's leaking or corroded, that's another red flag that things might be worse than they look. Also, keep an eye on the floor around the tank for dampness or staining—sometimes rust inside means tiny leaks are already forming.
Curious though, has anyone here tried those tankless water heaters? I've heard mixed reviews about their reliability and maintenance costs. Wondering if they're worth the upgrade when the old tank finally kicks the bucket...
Tankless heaters can be a mixed bag, honestly. My brother-in-law switched to one a couple years back after his old tank rusted out. He loves the endless hot water, but he's had a few headaches with maintenance—something about mineral buildup causing issues. Still, he swears he'd never go back to a tank. Might be worth considering if you're already seeing rust and leaks...sounds like your tank's on borrowed time anyway.
Tankless systems definitely have their perks, but mineral buildup can be a real pain if your water's hard. A good inline filter or regular flushing usually helps. Curious—have you checked your water hardness levels yet? That might influence your decision...
Had a similar issue at my place last year—hard water was wreaking havoc on my tankless setup. Honestly, even with regular flushing, the mineral buildup was relentless. Ended up installing an inline filter, and it's been night and day since then. I'd definitely recommend checking your hardness levels first though...if they're off the charts, you might wanna factor in the extra maintenance before going tankless.
