Save yourself a lot of money and a lot of grief and buy a new water heater. I don’t know about electric, but gas water heaters usually are good for maybe ten years.

I wouldn’t. Water heater life spans suck. The used one is probably loaded with sediment/mineral deposits. If it has a sacrificial anode, it may be almost used up as well.

I’m betting that the reason yours can’t keep up is its age and sediment.

Yes but it will cost more to run because you will be heating 50 gallons of water. Heaters usually last 10 to 12 years. I would make sure the heater is clean inside and put it in. Actually if your heater is twenty years old you might not notice much of an increase in your electric bill. I would go for it.

having just replaced mine, i would say that you are living on borrowed time with with yours. even if hers only lasts you another 5 years, it would be cheaper than a new one. you should find out how many years are left on the warranty, if it’s a six year, not so good a deal, twelve year, a good deal. flush it out before you hook up the power, and flush it twice a year when you set your clocks forward and back, so it won’t fill up with sediment this time. good luck.

Nope. Get a new one with a guarantee. worth it in the long run.They are so unpredictable,