However, a couple of things may trick you into thinking the tank is shot: Electric water heaters can leak where the heating elements (most full-size heaters have two) mount to the sidewall of the tank, in which case you probably need a new gasket instead of a new tank. Replacing a gas...
heating element and replacing the gasket. Also, before turning the power back on, be sure to turn on the water supply to the heater to refill the tank, and run hot water into a sink in your house to release air from the water heater tank. Failure to do so could ruin your water ...