said by boaterbob:I'd also consider having a water leak sensor (or 2 or 3 
Home Depot has multiple type wireless sensors that can be used with a command module. The command module is about $29 at Home Depot (maybe less at Amazon, etc - but Home Depot makes returns easy) and then you can add multiple modules.
Here is the water leak module at Home Depot:
»tinyurl.com/aa4m6ns
About $15. The command module is shown on the same page.
Lowe's sells the same product but are a little higher in price.
There are standalone sensors, but I like the idea of adding multiple type sensors/alarms and controlling them with 1 command module.
I already thought about getting one of these since the floor drains are FUBAR. Thing is, it would need some way of contacting me if I'm not home for it to be worthwhile (SMS, email, etc). I'm sure that's do-able with an off the shelf product, but I have yet to see one that wasn't also part of some larger security/home automation system.
Maybe I'll buy another Raspberry Pi for something like this. I'm sure it's been done before.
Anyways, I suppose you guys convinced me to just replace the heater. I'm was just going to get a $349 3-year warranty unit, and check\replace the anode rod every 2-3 years. I'll still plumb the incoming cold water in through the drain port to cut the dip tube out of the equation, and I'll crack the seal on the anode rod so it'll be easier to replace later on.
