Replace water heater now, or wait for a leak?

[Riickk]

I have a 20+/- year-old Bradford White 40gal gas water heater (Short, 40k btu input).
While in the basement recently, the water heater kicked in, then started to make LOUD banging noises.
Guessing this is what someone here diagnosed as built-up of now hardened sediment at base of tank ??
Question #2: Should I hold off replacing it?
Question #3: Does it make sense flush the tank; guessing it's never been done?
Question #4 Is adding an expansion tank is a good idea?
--------- Thanks
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[havasu]

I can almost guarantee that if you fiddle with the water heater now, you will soon be buying a new W/H.

 

[Jeff Handy]

Twenty years is a good lifetime for a water heater, time to replace it on your terms, not when it starts leaking at 3:00 am on a holiday.

 

[breplum]

REPLACE !!!!

 

[FishScreener]

I’d second teh replace. That way your doing it when you want, and not after it fails and floods things.