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Entry bubble When a Good Water Heater Goes Bad

By: Joanne | March 31, 2009 | Category: Home and Family

water coming out of a shower headI think there’s something wrong with our water heater. Over the last few weeks I’ve noticed a change in the amount of hot water in the house…especially in the evening when it’s bath time for the kids.

I hate it when things break, because I still have so much to learn about home repair. Of course I’ll have the plumber come out and take a look, but I expect to hear that I need a new water heater. I’m not exactly sure how old this one is, but I know that the warranty has expired and what do I know about buying a water heater? Nothing.

I’ve learned that buying a major appliance requires a lot of homework. You really have to think about the features that you need before going to the showroom, because all those shiny new appliances can distract you from thinking about getting the appliance that has all the features you need without paying for things you don’t need.

I always shop for appliances that are EnergyStar rated, that’s always the first thing on my list. Sometimes you can even find tax rebates in your area when you buy EnergyStar appliances. Too bad there are no water heater rebates available for me. It’s not free, but I like the unbiased appliance advice from Consumer Reports.

All I know is that I’m going to do the research and figure out what water heater is right for my family before the old one breaks completely and we’re dirty and there isn’t a clean dish in the house. Who needs that kind of pressure?

| View Comments [10] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: appliance   energy   heater   joanne   water  

Comments (10):

blue comment bubble Posted by mr Fix-it on March 31, 2009 at 07:25 AM EDT

Oh Joanne,
installing a water heater isn't difficult. the hardest part is lugging it in and putting it where you want it. Everything else is a breeze. Just make sure you drain the old one BEFORE you try to move it. a full water heater is much heavier than an empty one.

There are only 3 connections to worry about, cold water in, hot water out and your heat source (gas or electricity) if you use cas you need a vent to, but that is probably already there.

I used to work at the "big blue box" and installed water heaters on the side for extra $$. If i can do it anyone can. It's fun and the sense of accomplishment after doing it yourself is awesome. Besides, you get to buy some really cool tools and have a story for next week's blog.

if you do decide to go witht he plumber, drain it before he gets there, you don't want to pay $100/hr for him to watch your water run. it's bad enough you lose all that perfectly good water, though you might run it into your homebrew setup. And you old water heater might make a descent new fermentation tank, it is nicely insulated. I'm sure it beats the old car radiator my Grandpa used on his home still.

have a great one.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Sarah on March 31, 2009 at 09:09 AM EDT

My husband and I recently had a water heater bust in our basement. While it was no fun, we took it as an opportunity to upgrade to a Tankless hot water heater. It takes up less space in your closet and is very energy efficient. To get a size comparison: think of a briefcase sitting on a wall. Yeah - that's about it.

Good luck with the search!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Joanne on March 31, 2009 at 11:06 AM EDT

Mr. Fixit, you're funny! I like your recycling ideas : )

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blue comment bubble Posted by Joanne on March 31, 2009 at 11:11 AM EDT

I've been reading about the tankless water heaters. I love the idea that they're so much more energy efficient than the storage tank type, but I've read things that make me wonder if the amount of money I will save on energy will make the higher purchase price worthwhile. I also wonder if they work well enough. Are you happy with yours?

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blue comment bubble Posted by Lil Lou on March 31, 2009 at 11:38 AM EDT

When we bought our new old house, we gave it a face lift... made it look years younger. We also installed a tankless waterheater. This was the best investment we could have ever made. It was a little costly on the front end, but it has earned it's worth in my wallet. We have saved so much on our electric, gas and water bill, compared to our other home with it's monster of a waterheater.
These tankless waterheaters cost about $1300 or more. They have an electric starter and a gas burner that only burns when you turn you hot water on, so it's not having to keep water heated when it is not needed. Of course, it's EnergyStar rated and I believe we were able to get a tax rebate on it.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Lil Lou on March 31, 2009 at 11:40 AM EDT

When we bought our new old house, we gave it a face lift... made it look years younger. We also installed a tankless waterheater. This was the best investment we could have ever made. It was a little costly on the front end, but it has earned it's worth in my wallet. We have saved so much on our electric, gas and water bill, compared to our other home with it's monster of a waterheater.
These tankless waterheaters cost about $1300 or more. They have an electric starter and a gas burner that only burns when you turn you hot water on, so it's not having to keep water heated when it is not needed. Of course, it's EnergyStar rated and I believe we were able to get a tax rebate on it.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Lil Lou on March 31, 2009 at 11:43 AM EDT

My only compaint about the Tankless waterheater is that it takes a few minutes for the hot water to get to you. You just don't get that instant gratification that we are all used to.

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blue comment bubble Posted by thomas on March 31, 2009 at 12:01 PM EDT

You might not need a new water heater. If you have a electric unit, it might just need a new heat element. Electric water heater elements can range from forty to seventy dollars. A good and honest plumber would be able to tell you if you need a new water heater or just a inexpensive part to fix it.

Thomas

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blue comment bubble Posted by mikeadam on April 01, 2009 at 02:27 AM EDT

I agree this because we must and should both with hot water i like this blog very much
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mikeadam
http://www.substanceabusecenter.com/

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blue comment bubble Posted by mr Fix-it on April 02, 2009 at 07:00 AM EDT

Joanne,
I'm glad my post brought a smile to your face, i try!

The tankless heaters are a nice convenience, but i still liek my old tank, but i am a low tech sort of guy.

As for just replacing the electrical elements, very likely if the elements are going bad the tank lining is corroding too, and you don't want to wake up one morning to water spilling out of the side, like i did once. Or worse, come home form work to find that it has been happening all day!

often there is a zinc "Sacrifice Rod" too that helps protect the lining, it corrodes in place of the lining. If that is eaten up then you are just waiting for the tank to bust.

once the warranty is gone, it's time to replace it, it's not worth the risk of cleaning up that mess to save a few bucks., think of all the homemade beer you can brew in the old tank, and it's practically free!

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