That's solid advice, thank you. I came to the conclusion last night. I'm just going to go ahead and install an entire new unit and be done with it. No point in waiting for it to fail in the next year or two.Here's my take on it. Do you have the money to replace it right now while it's not an emergency? Will you have the money squirreled away when you wake up with water all over your laundry room and garage floors. I recently had to plunk down $1000 to replace my water heater unexpectedly and that was with my friend from school giving me the friends and family discount. If you have the money now and your tank is 10+ years old, I'd suggest biting the bullet and do it while you can plan for it.