I have a gas rheem hot water heater, that I don't know how old it is. It was in the house when I bought it 6 years ago. It looks OK and is in my storage shed. I was thinking about draining it (it does make some noise when it is heating) I am afraid I am opening a can of worms. I am not a plumber, but I noticed heavy calcium build up around the intrance and exit (more here) for the water. I can hardly turn the shut off valvae for the incoming water. Arizona has a lot of calcium in its water. Should I just let it go an purchase a new heater next summer or try and drain it? I am just scared of getting in over my head.

Besides making a noise when heating, is there any other evidence of it not working as it should?

Sorry to waffle, but I have to. There's no cut and dried answer.

1. It certainly can't hurt to drain it as a preventive maint. Issue, but sounds like you should replace the shutoff valve while you're at it.

2. If it were me I'd probably just replace it knowing it's probably near the end of it's life anyway.

No it just goes clink clank pop when it is heating. Other wise no problems, low gas use etc. Thanks for the reply, and I will probably wait. I am afraid that when I crack the connections so the air can push out the drain I might be in over my head.

i will probably wait.

I don't blame you... that's why I asked the first question. If it ain't broke, don't fix it :D
(but if it does break, don't spend time trying to fix it... just replace it)