stay-kleen water heater need replace??

[boyet516]

Im trying to help out a friend, the whole house is all copper ,she has a gas water heater(40 gal by stay-kleen Brand), she just notice that there a rusty/yellowish water coming out from her faucet, so I drain her water heater & I let it run for a good 20 mins,stuffs/particles came out until it gets clear, I flush it again the next day, water got clear.

After 3 weeks, I open drain valve & still some small particles still comes out we dont know how old the heater. on the energy saver guide still attached, it has a date of OCT 91.

Is this a sign of a deteriorating tank? does it need to replace asap before it leaks? thx

[majakdragon]

14 years is a good life for a water heater although I have seen some go 20. It may have a coated steel tank and the coating has worn off allowing for rust to form. I wouldn't say it is a rush job to replace but probably time to start looking for a new one. Most tanks start with a drip and graduate from there. This will give you time to find what make and model best suits the needs and pocketbook. Good luck.