water heater

docsabre · #1 (**permalink**) 04-23-2002

My water heater is 16 years old and needs a new element. Does it pay to replace the element or should I just replace the entire water heater ?

MSam · #2 (**permalink**) 04-30-2002

How is the water? If you are getting rusty colored water, chances are that the heater is rusting out and you should replace.

Also, I think a 20 gal water heater is about $500, whereas the heating element is about $30. If the water is fine, Id replace the element.

MS