Jerry Peck
Why do you say it has to be replaced now?
Is it leaking? If leaking, where is the leak?
If one or more of the elements are bad, you could replace the bad elements. However, on a 10 year old water heater with a 10 year guaranty, the anode rod is likely mostly gone (they usually put an anode rod in to try to match the guaranty time so you will get at least the guaranty life and they will not have to replace the tank). Therefore, on a 10 year old tank, instead of replacing the element, or the element and the anode rod, I always recommend replacing the water heater. Not because this would be covered under the guaranty (it wouldn’t be), but for your piece of mind and cost effectiveness over the long run.
