new water heater
the newer heaters it would be wise just to change it out
an older heater might be salvagable,
but personally, Being in business, I dont need that liability....
you are on the hook if you repair a piece of junk,
and you and youir insurance company are on the hook for lots ,
lots more than a new heater would have ever cost the homewoner.....
Remember, NO GOOD DEED EVER GOES UNPUNISHED
today you are the nice guy that is trying to do him a favor,
tomorrow , when the thing catches fire or worse,
you are the professional WHO SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER..
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With seven feet of water many things can be wrong....
the chimmney and baffle could be clogged, the T-stat is most lilkey bad,
the T+P valve needs to be changed,
the insualtion is wet and will steam up when it drys, ect ect..
so its best to tell the fellow he needs a NEW ONE
if he dont want to do it , just walk away.. its not worth it.