Scorch marks

My water heater was threatening to burn down the house. Here's what the inside walls of the shed looked like when I disassembled it to hook up the new plumbing:

So out with the 20-year-old torcher:

I stripped the copper out of it, then set it out on the curb for free pickings. 5 minutes later it was gone.

Installed a brand new, larger water heater that works like a champ. No more bubbles and squeaks, no more fire threat, hot water instantaneously...lovin' it!