- Heavy corrosion
In late Oct '06, their hot water heater started leaking heavily. The pipe in the foreground was the problem. For years there was a tiny leak above the valve. Most of the sediment has been brushed away in this photo. - Old water heater
This is the old water heater, disconnected and ready to be hauled upstairs. - Old water heater connections
The old water connections (set loosely in place for the picture). Most of the corrosion was actually cleaned off by this point. The cold water input (right-hand side) was the one that caused the trouble. - Old water heater top
For a long time (years?) water leaked out of the pipe and filled the fiberglass insulation on top of the tank like a sponge. The steel tank rusted away underneath. - Old water heater top - close-up
The tank was only four years old but the top was an indistinguishable mix of fiberglass, rust, sludge, and steel.