My very old 50 gal gas water heater is broken, bottom rusted and flooding the basement. I need to replace it this week. I have a HomeServe insurance that covers this, but they will only replace it with the same kind of unit.

Have you installed one recently? It seems there are more efficient types of water heaters now-- electric, tankless, wall mounted. Do you have a plumber you'd recommend? or a type of water heater?

Any help or ideas much appreciated.

Happy holidays! Irina