"spent half the day chasing tiny leaks"
Been there...feels like playing whack-a-mole at first. But you're right, once it's done, it's solid. Hang in there, you're close.
Honestly, if you're spending half a day chasing leaks, it might be time to reconsider the repair route. Sure, patching things up feels good in the short term, but I've seen plenty of heaters that just keep springing new leaks once rust sets in. Had one last month that seemed solid after repairs, then boom...another leak popped up two weeks later. Sometimes biting the bullet and replacing it saves you headaches down the road. Just my two cents though—your mileage may vary.
As someone pretty new to all this homeowner stuff...how can you tell when rust is too far gone? Is there a clear sign it's beyond repair, or is it mostly guesswork and hoping for the best?
Agree with what's been said—rust isn't something to gamble on. A few quick checks:
- If the tank itself is rusting through (visible holes, leaks, or damp spots), it's done.
- Rust-colored water from hot taps usually means the inside is corroded badly.
- Listen for rumbling or popping noises... sediment buildup and corrosion often go hand-in-hand.
Better safe than sorry with water heaters, honestly.
Yeah, rust is usually a pretty clear signal it's time to bite the bullet. Had a similar issue with mine last year—kept putting it off, hoping it'd hold out a bit longer, you know how it goes. But when the water turned that nasty brownish color, figured I couldn't dodge it anymore. Ended up replacing it myself (thank goodness for YouTube tutorials...ha). Honestly, I'm glad I did; peace of mind is worth the upfront cost. Good luck with yours!