Out with the old. Installed to the written scope.

Age is useful context, not a replacement deadline. Tank-body leakage, corrosion, damaged mounting, repeated faults, parts support and warranty status are stronger decision inputs than a universal number of years.

Compare an itemised repair with a like-for-like replacement, including product, mounting, plumbing, fixed wiring, disposal, warranty and future parts support. There is no universal 50% rule.

Usable hot water depends on tank temperature, inlet temperature, shower flow, mixing, recovery and simultaneous use. Diagnose the controls and element, then resize from measured demand rather than a fixed minutes-per-litre claim.

Discolouration can come from the heater, fittings or upstream pipework. Stop using a leaking or visibly deteriorated tank, identify the source and follow manufacturer or supplier warranty steps before assuming which component failed.

Intermittent tripping can involve the heater, moisture, fixed wiring or protective devices. Leave the heater off and do not repeatedly reset it. An EMA Licensed Electrical Worker should handle fixed-installation diagnosis and any rewiring.

A replacement may offer different controls, standing loss, flow, capacity or service support, but improvement is model-specific. Compare official energy data, SAFETY Mark status and current warranty terms rather than assuming a fixed efficiency gain.