Hot water heater; service or replace?

[rxb906]

Hello folks,

Apologies ahead of time if this query is super basic!

Trying to decide to service or replace a vented, gas hot water heater.

Symptoms/Observations : Sulfur smell when running hot water, decent amount of rust observed on the cold water inlet hose and nipple, decent amount of rust on the upper part of the heat flue, appears to be a 4 yr old hot water heater.

So, on one side, a simple flush and (hopefully) simple nipple/hose replacement would seem to be a quick servicing fix that might solve the sulfur smell and extend the life of the heater. If not, replacing the sacrificial anode (in addition to the nipple/hose), should do the trick.

But then the question becomes, does the rust on the inlet and flue indicate an already compromised tank, and maybe I should just go ahead and replace the whole unit?
(the hot water outlet has no rust, though I can't tell if it might have been replaced already or not)


Thanks for any info/suggestions!

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Any photos ?

 

[rxb906]

Any photos ?

I'll take them when I get back over there, and post this afternoon, thanks!

 

[rxb906]

Any photos ?

Flue, outlet, inlet, and then the whole bigger picture.

 

[rxb906]

Oh and this is an attic unit in houston...so decently humid in general.

 

[oz-plumber]

Cold water inlet - replace gasket.
Flue - Could be condensation from inside the heater, but I would assume it's from the flue.
Check the cowl is not blocked and the integrity of the flue.

Seems odd that amount of condensation on the flue outlet