Two important things about hot water tanks:
1. They only last about 12-13 years, max. Always replace a 10 year old HW tank if you are buying a house, and replace your own after 13 years, TOPS. They do fail! Ticking noises -- this is a bad sign... replace it!
2. Have a drip pan installed with a drain when you replace your tank. Make sure it drains to the exterior of your home.
Also, consider tankless hot water solution (if you can afford it) there are tax breaks on this right now.
Never let a contractor install a HW *tank* in your home above the ground floor. Tankless is different.
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