After poking around these great forums, pretty sure I can predict what the universal consensus will be because of the age of the tank - but money's really, really tight so I'll ask away:
Gas AO Smith PGC75-250. Was a warranty replacement installed in mid-2003. Just noticed a "salty" residue line down the tank trailing from the anode plug, which itself feels like soggy mush to a finger (wet insulation?).
So, guess the anode is far gone - is there any chance to keep it working and delay tank failure for a while?
Asking because everything is expensive here (NYC). The full bill for the complete (basement) install by the usual plumbing-heating contractor 15 years ago was $1300 (and that was a warranty replacement tank). Since the usual number of people in the house has decreased, from 6 to 3, can probably get away with a smaller tank (50-60 Gal?), but imagine the total cost will be easily $2K+. (The house has elderly residents, so when it has to be replaced, will want a reliable tank, and not an energy "star" - and expect there are new safety and tech features which will decrease reliability and increase maintenance.)
Thanks for any advice. (Probably just need a push in the expected direction. And a good credit score...)
Gas AO Smith PGC75-250. Was a warranty replacement installed in mid-2003. Just noticed a "salty" residue line down the tank trailing from the anode plug, which itself feels like soggy mush to a finger (wet insulation?).
So, guess the anode is far gone - is there any chance to keep it working and delay tank failure for a while?
Asking because everything is expensive here (NYC). The full bill for the complete (basement) install by the usual plumbing-heating contractor 15 years ago was $1300 (and that was a warranty replacement tank). Since the usual number of people in the house has decreased, from 6 to 3, can probably get away with a smaller tank (50-60 Gal?), but imagine the total cost will be easily $2K+. (The house has elderly residents, so when it has to be replaced, will want a reliable tank, and not an energy "star" - and expect there are new safety and tech features which will decrease reliability and increase maintenance.)
Thanks for any advice. (Probably just need a push in the expected direction. And a good credit score...)