#hot water heater replacement cost

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[chaoticreation]

10/29/23

This area is a death sentence without transportation. I'm running out of food, I can't get my prescriptions, can't flee in an emergency, and me and Syd have been freezing for like, a month, aside from the past two days because it's been surprisingly warm out for October. But November is around the corner, and it's gonna get cold. Fast.

I don't have the funds to repair my van, or the furnace.

Eventually, I'm gonna go homeless if the taxes aren't paid, but the van and furnace are extremely pressing matters right now.

If you can afford to donate, I'd appreciate anything you can spare. If you can't, that's okay. You can still help by sharing this campaign! Please don't donate if you can't afford to, but please SHARE no matter what!

OUR SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON IT. YES, I AM BEGGING. I'M TERRIFIED.

Gfm requires at least $5 donation, so if you can't swing that, you can send less to:

ven.mo: https://account.venmo.com/u/rroche90 pay.pal: roryjroche@outlook.com

Edit, 11/7/23: And we also don't have hot water now either. When the plumber came to give me an estimate on the furnace, he found that the hot water heater had a bad leak, so that was turned off to reduce damage.

Edit, 11/12/23: Septic problems now, too. Sinks are backing up. Woo! Still no heat, btw. It's been a month without heat and it's getting colder. Friend bought Syd a bigger hospital cage, but it hasn't arrived yet, so poor girl has to continue to suffer. Still no transportation, either. HEAP has said they'll pay half the furnace bill if I'm on the deed, which I can't and won't do until the taxes are paid off. I'm not about to inherit that debt.

@sydthetiel is being kept in a tiny hospital cage in my office with a space heater. Not ideal, but it's keeping her warm at least.

We're really not okay.

Edit, 11/16/23: Still no heat or hot water. Plumber isn't even actually getting back to us lmao. Mechanic got back to us, though, and they've found that the brake lines are rusted and need to be replaced. They want an extra $3500 for that. So it'd be roughly $6,000 to get my van repaired. Or I can just fix what I can fix at $2,000 and take my chances with rusted brake lines, and be an accident waiting to happen because I'm desperate to not be trapped in a freezing house with no meds or food or water lmao. Or I just don't get to have transportation back. Or I have to buy a new used vehicle, for like, $15,000+. So... mostly there's just no hope left for me. I'm ready to just give up. It's too much to fix, and my odds of survival are at 0 anyway. I won't last the winter here, and I can't even leave.

Edit, 11/22/23: That plumber ghosted us. We got a new plumber. He came out yesterday and got the furnace rigged to work, just in time. As he pulled into the driveway, it started sleeting and snowing. Throughout the night. The problem is, the furnace isn't fixed, so it could crap out at any moment. The water heater is off, but still leaking, so it's time sensitive to have it replaced. But he's pointed out another problem with that; Rex's hoarding. We need to be able to get rid of enough of her crap to get the equipment in and out. He can do it, but it's gonna cost. Additionally, the chimney isn't in great shape so we have to do something about that, or it's going to defeat the purpose of these replacements. Waiting for the quotes on everything.

As for my van, it's ready to be picked up, without the brake lines being finished. We found a new place that said they'd charge between $700-$1000 to replace the brake lines. A lot better than $3,500, but still not money I have. So until I can do that, it's a risk driving it, but I really don't have a choice. I can't stay living like this, trapped in the middle of nowhere. It's defeating me mentally and physically. But there's another problem too, that won't be covered under warranty. A knock sensor. No idea how much it'll cost yet, but it needs to be replaced in order for the van to pass inspection in December.

I'm feeling incredibly hopeless. I can't even run, because I have Syd, and I'm not going to abandon her. She's my kiddo. She's in a bigger cage now, happily. But I'm at such a loss of what to do. We're not going to survive the winter here without these repairs, and fleeing is going to be really difficult, and I may not have a home to come back to in Spring if I did manage to leave for the winter with Syd.

[annakie]

FIXING THE HOUSE CHAPTER 13: Mauve Haze Symphony

Part One: I Do Not, In Fact, Have the Power

Part Two: Let’s Spend Lots of Money!

Part Three: All These Things That I’ve Done

Part Four: I Really Want to Stay At My House (YOU ARE HERE)

A little interlude.

Part Five: Power Down

Part Six: You Will Leave Some Paint

Part Seven: Backwards to go Forwards

Part Eight: Master of Bathrooms

Part Nine: Within a Room, Somewhere

Part Ten: Rooms With No View

Part Eleven: Big Bang Room Part A and also Part B!

Part Twelve: We Can Make It On the Outside

Part Thirteen: Mauve Haze Symphony (YOU ARE HERE)

Part Fourteen (A) - In the Kitchen

Part Fourteen (B) - Copper Green

---

Almost done, one more room after this one to go.

Oh man, I thought I'd posted this LAST WEEK and was shocked to see that it was still in my drafts. Oops.

Well, I'm going to take a breather from... everything... and finish this and post it. I hope it's a nice little break for you, too.

A little catchup on the past stuff, and then moving into one of the last two rooms!

OK so I DID forget one really important garage thing -- a new tankless, natural gas powered hot water heater!

In 2009 one day i came home from work to find water pouring out of my garage. Ohhh shit. The hot water heater had rusted through and water went everywhere. I called my dad in a panic and he walked me through shutting the water off on the street level.

I was really lucky that absolutely nothing got ruined, I think maybe a rug I had in there got wet but basically nothing else. Laundry Mountain wasn't quite a thing yet. Some people have their HWH in like, the middle of their house or the attic and having it break like mine did is much worse news.

Anyway, got a new one put in and per my dad's suggestion wrote the date it was installed on it.

HWHs usually have a 10 year lifespan. Mine was installed in 2009 sooooo... uhhh... yeah. It still worked fine, though!

But I decided to stop gambling with time, and had Arturo install a new one.

We f'd up and didn't notice that the first one I bought was Propane and not natural gas powered. Arturo stood over my shoulder when I bought it online, and then it sat in my garage for almost two months while we had so much other stuff going on. By the time we tried installing it, it was past the return date. We discussed it and Arturo volunteered to eat the cost. I ended up sneaking in about half the cost back in on our project/price spreadsheet anyway. :p

Anyway, new HWH works great, and will cost less to run every year, and I don't need to worry about it for at least another decade! Also, I've always been lucky that my HWH survived the freezes easily, so I'm just crossing my fingers that the tankless does, as well.

---

OK, on to today's real update!

The hall bath.

When I talked about the Master Bath way back in Chapter 8, I mentioned that for all intents and purposes this was my only full bath for most of the time I had my house.

The thing was, the tub/shower was not in great shape when I bought the house (like literally everything else) and had only gotten worse through the years.

The tub came stained and discolored and no cleaning trick I ever tried could fix it. A couple of times my dad used this enamel stuff on it to make it look better, but that lasted about a year at a time and then would flake off. Eventually we just stopped doing that.

The shower tiles were also coming off. Several times we just did patching, replacing some with close-but-not-quite color matches.

Eventually... well, you'll see the state of it here in a second.

Also, I tried early on to take a bath in my bathtub, and then realized that there was no overflow, but there WAS a leak around the area where an overflow would have gone but was covered up... and then if there was overflow it just spilled behind the wall. It was a small, shallow tub anyway and baths weren't comfortable, especially for someone who wasn't a size six.

The "Just moved in, this is what I have to work with" picture.

Ugh.

Also, please note that there's actually NO SHOWERHEAD IN THIS TUB. There's just... no shower. So I guess people were taking baths in it? My buddy Helen installed a new faucet and showerhead for me.

See... that's what I started with.

After I took down the wallpaper, cleaned as best I could and slapped up a new coat of paint... I could live with it. Surely I'd make it better!

Oh, also when I tore that wallpaper out, TERMITES were living there, just under the wallpaper above the tub. eating through the drywall.

Thank God for the home warranty that first year, they came out and treated them. Had it treated again a couple of years later.

---

The room got new flooring in the great Flooring & Kitchen Update of 2009.

And then this bathroom ALSO got the toilet and sink areas updated finally after nine years in 2012, as discussed back in parts 7 and 8.

That Shower Curtain is hiding a Secret --- the secret is that the bathtub is still the same, but getting worse!

Much improved. Not so gross. You know, as long as you don't look behind the shower curtain!

Also, no I did NOT put anything into that medicine cabinet frame either... until... well you'll see.

Hilariously, look, I have no pictures of the ceiling of this room but I very much painted all the way up to NEAR the ceiling on all the walls that got painted beige and then never finished. I think I posted this somewhere before but I'll say it again. I just kind of forgot to finish painting this room for twelve years. As long as you didn't look up at the ceiling it was FINE, lol. When I had painted before it was messy too. So there were paint splotches on the ceiling. It was not good and I have ZERO excuses.

My boss at the time had a quote that I always remember and think about in relation to this --- "There's the first 90% of a project, and then the second 90% of the project." Meaning that sometimes just crossing the finish line when you're within a few steps of it is like the hardest part. That's what this ceiling was. I think at one point a couple of years on I went and grabbed the paint can to finish, but the paint was solid by that point, so I was like "Oh I need to just go get more paint.

AND THEN I DIDN'T.

---

I'm going to post here something I swore I'd never show people, the reason I almost never had people stay overnight in my house, my greatest shame.

This is how bad it got at the end.

No amount of cleaning could make it better. Some tiles were held on with duct tape, others just falling off at random. It was so bad, so gross. The reason my showers were all 5 minutes or less whenever possible.

So yeah, the bathroom was pretty nice, as long as you didn't look behind the shower curtain. Or up.

The reason I almost didn't want to show Arturo how bad it was, because it was just... so bad, but I trusted him and.... GOD it was worth it.

---

Once the master bath was mostly done, just some of the details like putting in the trim and painting the smaller things, so that we had a working bathroom at all times, Arturo started in on the hall bath.

This was truly one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. I was so happy when I saw this that I wanted to cry with joy. Gone was the ancient, gross tile. And seeing the gross drywall underneath gone as well.

Also, hey, no black mold like I was slightly worried would be a problem!

But also there was this...

Uhhh yeah so that would be wood that was chewed through by termites.

Arturo said there weren't any there now -- this is just all the damage they'd done for who knows how many years before I moved in and maybe a little after until I had the second termite treatment.

All of that wood got torn out. A few days later...

GOODBYE FOREVER AND NO THANK YOU gross old small stained tub. And hello to brand new uneaten wood!

Arturo said that the plumbing under here had also rotted out and fallen apart at some point and the water was also mostly draining straight into the ground.

So both of my bathrooms were seriously fucked in ways I couldn't have known about.

Obviously, that was all replaced and fixed. Any bad bits of plumbing or wood or whatever were made whole and new.

---

So while this was going on, I also now had to start making decisions about this bathroom.

Originally, I had said that since both bathrooms had very good tile floors still, and the sink countertop was beige and the sink cabinet/mirror/medicine cabinet set were all brown, that I would just keep both bathrooms beige themed. After all, it looked great in the Master.

I did want different accent tile to differentiate the two. And so Arturo brought me a couple of samples and after the obvious choice of the one I made in the Master, I decided on this for the hall bath.

Another decent beige accent tile, and I would do a taupe on the wall to match the taupe-ish lighter glass tile in the accent. It would have looked nice, with little effort to change things. We were going to use the same main tile in the shower, as well.

And then I started thinking about accents like towels, shower curtain and rugs and looking online for accents that would look good with all this and... couldn't find things I would like. At all.

I began doubting my taupe idea and was worried that the bathroom would be, well, boring. I wasn't in love with any of this stuff, the accent or the taupe colors and couldn't bring it all together in my brain to something I really wanted.

So one Sunday, I spent my afternoon tile shopping.

I went to Floor & Decor, which had hundreds of options, several of which I liked and took pictures of as "maybe", but nothing super leapt out at me.

The Tile Shop, which is ridiculously expensive. I did find an option in there that I loved, but it was almost $30 a tile. The accept tile in the master bath was $15 and I thought that was almost too expensive.

I went to Lowe's, which is where the master bath tile came from, and saw nothing else that spoke to me.

I went to The Home Depot, and fell in love with an accent tile. I actually went there first and saw The One, but made myself go to all the other places to make sure I didn't love anything else more. The One was only $10 a tile, too!

One huge problem though.

It was not beige.

It is called Binary Code and it is mauve, silver... and black.

The entire day when I was out looking at other options, stubbornly telling myself I couldn't use that one because it would require too many changes my brain also just kept chewing on BUT I LOVE IT, I WANT IT!! like a petulant child.

I finally went back to home depot late in the afternoon and stood there and looked at Binary Code, standing there mentally listing out all of the things I'd need to have Arturo change in order to get what I wanted.

We'd need a new main tile, something in black and white.

I went and looked at the main tile options and hey, a nice black and white one I liked for like $1.50 per tile. More expensive than the .89 per main tile for the master bath, but I'd tell Arturo he could charge me for the difference.

Okay but also the floor would need to be redone in that tile, so there's a little extra cost and labor.

All of the wood wouldn't really match now. But instead of replacing... how about just painting? Just a black paint on all the wood... that would work!

I could do it! This was going to be fine!

...and then I realized that the sink countertop was still beige. Shit. I don't know if we could paint that.

I decided, in the end, it was all going to be worth it. I bought all 14 remaining pieces of Binary Code at that Home Depot right then and there, and snapped a picture of the new main tile for Arturo.

I braced myself when he came to the house next and showed him the new tile, told him the new plan.

He was totally cool with it.

We needed a few more pieces of Binary Code, and I asked him about the extra cost and he said since I bought most of the accent tile myself it would balance things out, even with doing the floors.

He then suggested looking at just buying a new sink countertop, and we looked online together after measuring the current one, and I ordered a plain white countertop in the same size.

We added the cost of the black paint and painting labor for the bathroom and I realized that I was headed to having a second bathroom that was exactly what I wanted. I was so happy.

I settled on a very light mauve for the walls, and bought towels, a shower curtain and bathmats in mauve, as well.

---

A week or so prior to this, Arturo and I discussed the new bathtub. It had been his plan added into the remodel cost to replace the tub with more or less the same kind of tub, just newer. Builder's grade. Which was fair!

But not what I wanted.

I told him not to buy a tub yet (and this was before we started in on the hall bath renovations.)

I went tub shopping online. For days.

I learned about materials, and sizes, and purposes of tubs.

I knew, after the horrorshow of my old tub, I wanted something nice. Not top of the line, but something I could actually take a bath in. A tub that wasn't just basic, but something I could show off a little and actually use.

After seeing options and prices, I decided that this was a splurge item. I set myself a budget of somewhere between 500 and 1000 for a tub, more than I imagined ever spending on one before, but I wanted acrylic for the durability and stain resistance. I wanted something I could soak in.

Arturo and I discussed at length the size of the tub once I told him what I wanted and showed him some options. The bathroom is already small, how much more could I encroach into the room without it becoming a problem? It obviously had to be the standard 60" long, but how wide and tall could I go?

After many hours of comparing tubs at Lowes/HD/Amazon... I finally picked my tub.

WOODBRIDGE 60" Acrylic Rectangular Alcove Soaking Bathtub in White with Right Drain

The main thing that sold me on this one was that it had extra insulation, so bathwater stayed warm longer. It was also gorgeous, and had a curved back for comfortable soaking.

It was also 4" wider than my old tub. Comfortable for more body shapes and sizes. 14" of soaking depth. Brushed nickle finish with a popup drain.

---

It took a week to arrive because it had to be shipped by freight. Then the FedEx guy decided to just walk to my door, and NOT ring the doorbell. I was sitting at my desk which is right next to the front door when I heard someone outside, I got up to grab a shirt to throw over my tank top, and he was gone when I got back 20 seconds later. I looked on my doorbell cam and he walked up, stood there for 10 seconds without reaching to knock or ring, stuck the paper on my door and jogged back to his truck.

I called and complained to FedEx and the next day put up MULTIPLE signs on my garage and door saying I am HOME and KNOCK. Then left the window over there open to make sure I heard him.

I greeted him as he walked to my driveway and made sure it got delivered inside my house per the shipping agreement.

...and then it was an extra table in the middle of my big room for like two weeks lol. I'd posted a pic a couple of updates back of Fry sitting on the box.

The new sink countertop came in around then, too, and spent like a month in the box just being a table.

It's OK, we needed the counter space.

---

Finally, the day arrived.

Had to snap a picture of the only time I'd ever see under the tub. Looks good!

The same day, the new main tile started going in.

And the plumbing got mounted! Look at that beautiful NOT ROTTED/CHEWED UP wood!

NGL, I now wish we'd put the controls / faucet a little lower, but it's OK where it is. A balance between high and low for showering or bathing.

It took longer than I was hoping for for this bathroom to get done, but near the end of September Arturo had a big project that he'd warned me about that kept getting delayed finally start up, so I saw him less as the weeks went by, but I understood.

Technically, we're still not done, here at the end of October, but he was actually here just yesterday the 30th and did a couple of things, and is coming back hopefully next week.

ANYWAY... in the meantime I bought a bathtub tray, and a bath pillow, and a box of bath bombs.

The tile went up on both the wall and the floor, the wood cabinets and mirror got painted, and a shelf put in over the bathtub.

--

It was finally painting the walls day!

I'd picked out the color I was sure I wanted, vaguely mauve and Arturo had picked up the color.

I was working when he and Janarie started painting and he called me in very shortly.

"I don't think this is the color you want. It's the right color but...."

I looked and quickly agreed. It wasn't just vaguely mauve, it was light pink. It wasn't what I'd envisioned now that it was on the wall. Shit.

Arturo said he'd have time to run and get a new color and get the painting done if I picked it very quickly.

I picked up my BFF Sherwin-Williams Paint Swatch Book and at that point I felt like I knew everything he had to offer. Other mauves on that page just weren't right, they'd also be too pink and I wanted a slightly grey-er mauve. I almost thought about looking at Behr or Glidden colors when instead I went to the Sherwin-Williams website and just color searched for Mauve... and bam. There it was.

Studio Mauve. It was in the back of the book, under a color collection called The Jazz Age, and it was perfect. Arturo went and got a can, came back and we were both happy when he started painting again.

One of the very last little dramas of the build.

---

Okay, so it all came together so well, and Arturo told me later that he doubted my vision when I told him, but he had to agree when it was all put together that he thought it worked great. Not what he would have done in his own house, but even he agreed with how well it all works together.

It's really me.

Here we go.

First, with the shower curtain.

And... voila! Pulled back.

I know, the shower curtain seems like it should be lower, but it really can't be. You'll see why in a sec.

I love that that curtain is the thing that ties all the mauve together. The Mauve that's on the walls is in that curtain. The mauve in the handtowels is in that curtain, and the mauve on the bathrugs is in that curtain.

I also bought turkish bathsheets in mauve for the room, and they... don't actually go with the rest of the mauve! The shade is off. But that's OK, they're hung up on a hook on the back of the door, out of sight. I maybe should have returned them and bought them in black but... eh. I'm fine with it.

I absolutely love the new tile, it looks so good and flows well from the floor to the wall.

The brushed nickel faucet was honestly in worse shape than I thought it was when Arturo put it back in. But then Arturo was like "I have another of those Delta faucets I don't need" so he gave that to me as well and I just paid for the install.

So there's a mix of chrome and brushed nickel in the bathroom now but I"m OK with it.

The wood stuff looks great painted black. And hey, also new art in the medicine cabinet windows that I think goes really well in the room!

Plus of course the same things like trim, door handles, doorstops etc. that's in every room.

A closer look at the tub!

It's got the same rainfall main shower head as the master, and the same controls.

That "shelf" at the bottom there is actually the water spout for the bathtub. It's so sleek, I love it a lot.

And of course the hand-held showerhead, same as in the master, replaced the one it came with.

The tub plug is a popup, and it's got an overflow that works!

Also a nice rounded slant for back resting. I have a bath pillow for my head and it's SO comfortable!

I've only taken baths twice, but I bought a box of bath bombs, light a candle, listen to a podcast or a chapter of an audiobook... it's SO nice and peaceful. Will still probably only do it every couple of weeks but It's SO relaxing and feels luxurious.

Oh I guess I didn't actually get a picture of this but if I did pull the shower curtain liner into the tub, it reaches almost to the floor of the tub. The tub is very tall and a couple of inches off the ground thanks to all that padding and insulation. It's a bit of a hazardous step, which is why there are hand-hold safety bars on both walls just outside of the tub. (You can see in the pic with the curtain closed above.)

Okay so! That's the hall bath! There's one room left... obviously, the Kitchen and I really can't wait to show you (and finish up this long series of posts lol).

But that'll probably happen about two weeks from now because I'm about to be really busy again!

Thanks for coming along on this long journey of a very small room. :)

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this Op-Ed from the New York Times:

To keep the lights on, many utility companies are proposing to build dozens of new power plants that burn natural gas. North Carolina-based Duke Energy alone wants to add 8.9 gigawatts of new gas-fired capacity — more than the entire country added in 2023. Using their own projections of soaring energy demands as justification, these companies are also pushing back on the climate targets set by their states and the Biden administration.

If state regulators sign off on these plans, they will be gambling with our country’s future. We need to electrify everything from cars to appliances to slow climate change, but we won’t be able to reach our climate goals if we power all of those machines with dirty energy.

There is a better way. But to get there, legislators will need to overhaul the incentives driving utilities to double down on natural gas, so that they can turn a profit without cooking the planet.

Companies like Duke, Dominion Energy and Georgia Power argue that they need more gas-fired plants to reliably provide power during times of peak demand — for instance, on a hot summer weekday afternoon when home cooling systems and data servers are all humming at maximum output, and the grid strains to keep up. But those peaks tend to materialize only for a few dozen hours per year, and there are ways to deal with them that don’t require a massive amount of new methane-burning infrastructure.

The real reason the utilities want to build these plants is quite simple: The more stuff they build, the more money they make. Regulators let utilities charge their customers enough money to cover what they spend on assets like combustion turbines and wires, plus a generous rate of return (up to 10 percent) for their investors. This longstanding arrangement incentivizes power providers to build expensive things whether society needs them or not, in lieu of lower-cost, cleaner options, and to invoke their duty to keep the lights on as a post hoc rationalization.

Fortunately, utilities have plenty of ways to meet this new need.

They include “virtual power plants” — when technologies such as home batteries, rooftop solar systems, smart water heaters and thermostats are linked together and managed via software to provide the same services as a conventional power plant. Utilities in Vermont, Colorado and Massachusetts are already using them, to quickly respond to rising demand at a much lower cost than operating natural gas combustion turbines. According to one estimate, virtual power plants could lower U.S. utilities’ costs by as much as $35 billion over the next decade.

Utilities could also accelerate efforts to replace outdated transmission lines with newer ones that can carry double the electric current and to bring more battery storage online. They can compensate customers for using less energy during times when demand is high and invest far more in energy efficiency, helping customers to adopt devices that use less electricity.

All of these solutions would save customers money and reduce carbon emissions. They could, according to a Department of Energy analysis, meet the entire projected growth in U.S. peak electricity demand over the next decade.

[youplush]

Our plumbing is messed up.

We need to tear down at least 1 wall and replace all the pipes in our house. we also need a new water heater.

Right now our water will occasionally come out black. we don’t know how long it’ll be until it only pours out black water. our water heater also broke and now we don’t have warm/hot water.

This is going to cost thousands of dollars to fix everything.

I have art commissions open here.

I also have a ko-fi here where i am selling some adopts and stuff.

finally i have a mercari where i mostly sell older plushies (usa only) here.

i am thinking about selling some of my plush collection too. i don’t want to but i also don’t want to drink dirty water.

thank you for reading!

[nerdyqueerandjewish]

You know having a house has warped your brain when you are told that replacing your hot water heater costs $3k and you’re relieved

Everything usually costs $10k you think to yourself I’m so happy that this is not another loan for $10k!

[brokenmusicboxwolfe]

Wanna know how things are going? Awful!

Ok so stuff had been rotten lately. Bills I hadn’t known about kept being sprung on me. I had decided I would only buy groceries once this month, but the financial hit was still leaving me in a bad place.

Then came the broken things, so many more broken things. I got working on them, until….

On Saturday I went out to our shop to hunt a tool, only to discover thieves had been there! Two big tool boxes were gone, the rest opened and rooted through, some large things like the potato rake were gone…I even know how much they got, only the tools are critical for me. And I can’t afford to replace them. And they were my father’s, so I was attached to them. And the thieves got all the way back there, past the house and dogs, making me feel vulnerable.

So, I spent that whole day moving stuff, desperately trying to find a place to put them. I was hauling incredibly heavy tool boxes and such all over the place, which would be tiring enough, but since I hadn’t anticipated this and had planned on having wet feet in what I was going to do, I hadn’t bound up my bad ankle properly. And this reopened the wound on my ankle that had took six months to heal last time!

Today it all got worse. It was my shopping day, and all I was worrying about was having enough for everything I needed. (I wouldn’t. No kerosene for the hot water heater, so three weeks of cold showers….ugh!) Then suddenly I had a much bigger problem.

A tire exploded!

It didn’t get a leak. It didn’t go flat. It went ker-boom!

The good news is I managed to pull into a place leaving just enough space to get in and out for folks. But that car wasn’t gonna be moving.

Seeing a tire place across the nearby busy four lane road intersection I walked over for help. They aren’t allowed to help folks off the property. Sorry.

I crossed the crazy traffic and headed for another tire place. It was less than a mile (just), but felt much further in the sun and traffic.

People in a pickup pulled over to ask if I needed help. I told them what happened, and the driver said he could change the tire for me…and it wouldn’t cost me much. Yes, he offered to help me then added a bill. So no, I am not paying someone to change the tire, thanks though. They said good luck, but did not offer to give me a lift the rest of the way to the store.

I got to the other tire store. A big sign said the didn’t take checks, and since I would have to pay by check, there was no point. Not having a credit card can be damned inconvenient in this world. I walked back to the car. I was sunburned and my ankle was bleeding.

Thanks to the exploded to bits tire, the car was too low to get the jack under the place you have to use it. Still I dragged out all the freshly bought bags of animal feed and empty kerosene containers, piling them by the car, trying to think what I could do.

I called one person. They were over 100 miles away, so couldn’t help. I called another, and go no answer. I didn’t even bother to call the only other person I have to ask because their husband went into the hospital yesterday and, by freak coincidence, they can’t drive there because they got a nail in a tire with no time to fix it.

I got lucky! A couple saw me and offered to help. I don’t really like to concede defeat and let dudes get macho pride at some incompetent girly needing rescuing….but I did need help. The husband had tools I didn’t, and practice I didn’t. He had trouble, and the hubcap broke, but he got it off and got the emergency spare on on.

The spare was flat.

Of course.

Lucky for me he also had a portable air pump.

Unluckily the spare wouldn’t pump up to it’s proper pressure.

But no problem, I knew another tire store down the road. I would just get a tire….

They didn’t have any tires that would fit my car. They could get it by tomorrow morning, but until then I’d have to drive on a mini sized spare that won’t pump up properly and isn’t supposed to be driven on at the speed or distance I had to go. I told the store guy I lived 10miles away, and would that tire be okay with that and highway speeds? It will be fine, he said. Last night I got 4hrs sleep, and had planned to sleep late, but he only had a morning appointment. Oh well, it will be done early anyway.

Yesterday Mom wasn’t doing well, and got worse today. I got to worry about that in the middle of all this.

Tomorrow is supposed to be stormy. I have to drive on the crappy toy tire the ten miles back, and go to the bank to get money to buy a tire. If I have any left over I’ll get the wood shavings I need for the animals. I’ll just have to hope cold showers (YIKES!) don’t kill me, because I can’t afford any more money right now. At all.

Come on universe! Give me a little break! I’m already broke, exhausted, and riddled with anxiety and depression. You can stop kicking now!

[cazort]

Just moved into a house that has an electric hot water heater and after monitoring the electric usage for a few days it became apparent that the hot water heater was driving the overwhelming majority of the usage of electricity. Our electric bill was on target to be around $130/month from usage alone (more for the customer charge), but after a few innovations we reduced our daily usage to where it's now set to average closer to $90/month for usage.

The temperature on the hot water heater was already turned down to the safest setting (120°F); you don't want to go any lower than this because harmful bacteria can start growing in the tank. In one previous apartment I lived in, the temperature was set higher, and we were able to lower it which saved about $15 a month.

Some of the innovations we made this time around include:

In the kitchen where there is a single faucet that you can turn to the left for hot and right for cold, we had been leaving the faucet in the middle most of the time, which was using a blend of hot water. We often wouldn't notice the waste because we'd just use the tap for a short burst of water, so the water wouldn't run long enough to get hot. But it was still wasting hot water, drawing it out of the tank to where new water needed to be heated. To address this, we started turning the handle the whole way to the right and we only ever turn it to the left when we specifically need hot water; otherwise we keep it the full way to the right.

I started using cold water for some usages where hot water wasn't strictly necessary.

I started taking cooler showers, going as cold as was comfortable for me, which in the summer heat was pretty easy.

In the long-run we've considered other innovations, such as adding more insulation along the hot water pipes coming out of the boiler, and also looking into potentially replacing it, such as with a heat-pump hot water heater or a solar one, both of which can yield huge savings.

We also considered getting a new showerhead with a detachable head and a setting that only runs water when you hold down a button. For example you can lather up with soap or shampoo and then only run the water to wash it off. This hugely reduces all water usage, including hot water if the settings are on hot. The cost of hot water with an electric hot water heater is much higher than the cost of water itself, so the savings on hot water alone by doing this can be huge. I'm not sure how much this stuff is going to save but I'm optimistic given that we seem to have already reduced our usage enough to save about $40 a month.

Even if you live at home with parents, or in an apartment where hot water is included in your rent, someone is paying for hot water. In the long-run, rent tends to go up as expenses go up so a lot of these expenses get passed on to tenants anyway, so you aren't necessarily just making your landlord richer by conserving: it can actually help to keep rents down for all tenants if you conserve hot water. You can also talk to your landlord about innovations like turning down the temperature of the water (which has other benefits like reducing scalding risk, which a landlord might care about because it could be a potential point of liability if someone is burned by water that was too hot) until it is around 120°F. In most apartments you can also just buy and install your own showerhead, most can be installed just by screwing off the old one, then if you want to take it with you you can just put the old one back on when you move out, or you can leave it for the next tenant to enjoy.

[near-canton-ma]

Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater heats water as needed without needing a storage tank. It passes cold water through a heat exchanger, rapidly warming it to the desired temperature before delivering it to the faucet, shower, or appliance.

Tankless water heaters primarily provide hot water for various domestic purposes, such as bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Unlike traditional water heaters with storage tanks, tankless models offer several advantages, including energy efficiency, space-saving design, and an endless hot water supply since they don't run out as long as they have a sufficient flow rate and appropriate sizing. They are especially popular in homes with limited space and for users looking to reduce energy consumption and utility costs.

In commercial settings, they can meet the demands of various applications such as hotels, restaurants, and industrial processes, ensuring uninterrupted supply, lessening operating costs, and optimizing space.

HVAC Professionals

Green Energy Mechanical’s HVAC technicians perform essential tasks related to heating, cooling, and indoor air quality systems. Their responsibilities include:

Install heating and cooling systems, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ventilation units. They ensure proper system placement and connection.

Conduct inspections, clean components, replace filters, and identify potential issues to prevent breakdowns.

Diagnose the problem and carry out repairs. This includes fixing leaks, replacing faulty parts, and restoring proper functionality.

Recommend and implement system upgrades or replacements to improve energy efficiency and meet evolving HVAC standards.

Inspect, repair, or replace ductwork to ensure efficient air distribution.

Educate customers on proper system usage, maintenance, and energy-saving practices.

Provide emergency repairs for unexpected system failures.

The company is dedicated to delivering high-quality heating and cooling solutions, ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality for residential and commercial clients. Choose them if you're searching for HVAC near me in Canton, MA.

Air Conditioner Repair and Maintenance

Air conditioners can break down for various reasons, necessitating services like those provided by Green Energy Mechanical in Canton, MA. Common causes include:

Neglecting regular maintenance, such as cleaning coils and changing filters, can reduce efficiency and breakdowns.

Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and potentially freeze, leading to breakdowns.

Leaking refrigerant can reduce cooling capacity and damage the compressor, resulting in system failure.

Problems with wiring, circuit breakers, or capacitors can disrupt the electrical components, causing the AC to malfunction or not turn on.

Insufficient airflow or refrigerant issues can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, affecting cooling performance.

The compressor is a critical component, and its issues can lead to costly repairs or AC replacement.

As air conditioners age, their components can wear out or become less efficient, increasing the risk of breakdowns.

If you're searching for AC repair near me in Canton, MA, choose Green Energy Mechanical.

[thatmartiangirl]

My water heater decided to spray hot water all over the place this morning and I have extensive water damage to my finished basement and I’ve been holding it together all day while talking to insurance and water mitigation and all the other people I needed to call and stuff, and even though the couch (the one thing with some damage that I’d be sad to replace) just need a dry off and a deep clean, and even though this is only going to run me my very small deductible and the cost of a plumber to fix the water heater, and even though the contractors I’m working with are very nice, and everything is a lot better than when I got a text this morning that water was pouring from the basement ceiling and steam was filling the air

I’ve had a stressful day and now that I’m at the end of it, I kinda wanna cry

And I can’t even take a nice warm bath to de-stress because my water heater had to be disconnected

[jeanjauthor]

You have to drink liquids & eat food. You have to wash the dishes. You have to take a bath every so often, and you have to wear clean clothes and/or comb your hair when you get ready to go out. You have to take out the garbage, and many also have to sort out the recyclables. You have to put gas in your car, or money on your bus pass card, or plan out your schedule to include the cost in travel time when traveling somewhere. You have to replace lightbulbs, and you have to occasionally replace the hot water tank, or clean out the pipes for the tankless water heaters (due to water scale buildup), etc. You have to pay your bills, you have to pay your rent or your mortgage, you have to buy new clothes and new shoes periodically...

You have to vote, too.

Voting for Democrats is the "leaving the house, getting some exercise, and drinking more water is good for your mental health" of societal change. Everyone keeps telling you to do it, worst of all your mom keeps telling you to do it, and it's not a magical cure-all, but it actually works and rotting in your room shitposting does not help in either scenario.

[allaffordableplumbinginc]

Reliable Water Heater Replacement in Lake Zurich

Is your water heater no longer meeting your needs? All Affordable Plumbing specializes in water heater replacement in Lake Zurich, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions. Our professional team ensures seamless replacement services to restore your home's hot water supply without hassle.

From removing the old system to installing a new unit, we handle every step with precision. Whether you need a traditional or tankless water heater, our expertise guarantees lasting performance and peace of mind.

For more Visit us at https://maps.app.goo.gl/VUQRYxT51MR75Qoo9

[waterheaterpump]

5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Spa Pool Water Heater

A spa pool is a haven of comfort and relaxation, and keeping it at the ideal temperature is essential for a pleasurable experience. Nevertheless, spa pool water heaters have a lifespan and may eventually exhibit wear and inefficiency, just like any other system. Early detection of these symptoms can prevent unplanned malfunctions and guarantee that your spa pool stays a peaceful retreat. This blog outlines five telltale signs that your spa pool water heater needs to be replaced and explains why it makes sense to upgrade to a more recent model.

5 signs it’s time to replace your spa pool water heater

Inconsistent water temperature

Inconsistent water temperature, where the water regularly veers between being too hot and too cold or falls short of the ideal temperature, is one of the most obvious indicators of a failed spa pool water heater. This problem is frequently caused by old heating elements that lose their capacity to transfer heat efficiently or by broken thermostats that are unable to precisely control the temperature. Even though minor issues can occasionally be fixed, persistent irregularities typically mean that the heater is getting close to the end of its useful life. Your entire spa experience will be much improved by replacing the heater, which guarantees steady and acceptable water temperatures.

Unusual noises during operation

Contemporary spa pool heaters are made to run silently, creating a tranquil setting. Your heater may have internal damage if it has started to make noise, such as rattling, pounding, or hissing. Possible reasons include worn-out fans or pumps, loose or broken parts, and mineral accumulation in the pipes or heating elements. Persistent sounds frequently indicate that the heater’s internal mechanics are malfunctioning, while some noises can be fixed with cleaning or small repairs. A more pleasant experience can be had by replacing the unit with a more current, quieter one that restores the tranquil atmosphere of your spa area.

Visible wear and corrosion

Your spa pool water heater is nearing the end of its useful life if you notice physical signs of degradation like rust, corrosion, or leaks. The heater’s structural integrity may be jeopardized by corrosion, which could result in decreased efficiency and possible water contamination. Leaks can also result in water damage to nearby regions, raising the expense of maintenance. Although slight wear can occasionally be fixed, multiple leaks or substantial corrosion usually call for a complete replacement. Modern heaters are more dependable and long-lasting since they are frequently constructed of materials that resist corrosion.

Frequent repairs and maintenance

Even though periodic maintenance is necessary, frequent breakdowns and costly repairs are clear signs that your spa pool water heater is no longer reliable. Common issues include fixing plumbing leaks, replacing heating components or sensors, and fixing electrical or control panel issues. Regular upkeep can quickly accumulate and is often more expensive than a new item. In order to assure more reliable and cost-effective operation, it makes more sense to invest in a modern, long-lasting water heater with a manufacturer’s guarantee and a longer lifespan rather than continuously repairing an antiquated system.

Higher energy bills

Your spa pool heater can be the cause of an abrupt or steady rise in your energy costs. Maintaining water temperatures frequently requires greater effort from older models or units with decaying parts, which results in higher energy use. Particularly if they are used for long periods of time, inefficient heaters can become expensive. The answer is to switch to a more energy-efficient type, like a heat pump water heater, which can drastically lower energy usage. Modern heaters are built with cutting-edge technologies, like smart controls and inverter-driven compressors, to maximize efficiency and reduce energy use.

Why upgrade to a new spa pool water heater?

One advantage of replacing your outdated spa pool water heater is that newer models — especially heat pump systems — consume less energy, which lowers operating expenses. Smart controls, programmable settings, and quicker heating are examples of improved technology that improves performance and ease. To reduce their negative effects on the environment, modern heaters frequently include eco-friendly features like compatibility with renewable energy sources. Long-term savings are also achieved by purchasing a high-quality unit since it will require fewer maintenance and eventually have lower energy costs. Furthermore, noise reduction technologies guarantee a calmer and more tranquil spa setting.

How to choose the right replacement?

When choosing a new spa pool water heater, take into account a number of important factors, such as the energy source, capacity, energy efficiency rating, climate sustainability, and brand reputation. You can choose between electric, gas, or heat pump models depending on your needs and budget, but you should certainly choose a heater that can handle the volume of water in your spa pool. Make sure to choose models with high efficiency to save on energy costs, and one that is designed for low-temperature operation if you’re living in a colder climate. Finally, choose a trusted brand known for durability and performance. You can choose the ideal heater for your spa pool by taking these aspects into consideration.

Vindsol is a reputable brand in cutting-edge heating systems, so take them into consideration when replacing your spa pool water heater. Every Vindsol spa pool water heater in Bangalore is built to last and uses less energy, with advanced features like smart controls and silent operation that provide for a smooth and cosy spa experience. Here, you can choose from models that suit a range of requirements, climates, and spa sizes, whether you’re upgrading an old unit or looking for a dependable, environmentally responsible alternative. They are thus a great option for any spa pool because of an emphasis on cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly design, which offers the ideal balance of comfort, practicality, and affordability.

Resource: Read more

[needhotwater]

Common Water Heater Problems and Affordable Solutions in Beacon, NY

Hot water is a necessity for every household, especially during the colder months. However, when your water heater malfunctions, it can disrupt your daily routine and lead to frustration. If you're in Beacon, NY, understanding common water heater problems and knowing the affordable solutions available can save you time and money. Here's a guide to help you tackle water heater issues without breaking the bank.

1. No Hot Water

Problem:

One of the most common complaints is a complete lack of hot water. This could be caused by a faulty heating element, a broken thermostat, or issues with the power supply.

Affordable Solution:

DIY Fix: Check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary. For gas heaters, ensure the pilot light is on.

Professional Help: Contact a local Beacon, NY, technician to replace faulty components. Many affordable service providers offer flat-rate repairs for such issues.

2. Inadequate Hot Water

Problem:

Your water heater produces hot water, but not enough to meet your needs. This could result from sediment buildup in the tank or an undersized water heater.

Affordable Solution:

DIY Fix: Flush the water heater tank to remove sediment. This is a relatively simple process that can restore efficiency.

Professional Help: If the issue persists, consult an affordable expert in Beacon, NY, to evaluate whether you need an upgrade or repair.

3. Water Heater Leaks

Problem:

Leaks can occur due to corrosion, loose connections, or a faulty pressure relief valve. Ignoring this issue can lead to water damage.

Affordable Solution:

DIY Fix: Tighten loose connections and replace the pressure relief valve if needed.

Professional Help: For more complex issues like tank corrosion, contact a budget-friendly service provider in Beacon to assess the problem and recommend cost-effective repairs.

4. Strange Noises

Problem:

Banging, popping, or rumbling noises coming from your water heater often indicate sediment buildup or a failing heating element.

Affordable Solution:

DIY Fix: Flush the tank to remove sediment. If the noise persists, inspect the heating element for damage.

Professional Help: Call an affordable water heater service in Beacon, NY, to replace faulty components and ensure proper operation.

5. Discolored or Smelly Water

Problem:

Rusty or foul-smelling water could mean that the anode rod in your water heater is corroding or bacteria is present in the tank.

Affordable Solution:

DIY Fix: Replace the anode rod and flush the tank with a hydrogen peroxide solution to kill bacteria.

Professional Help: Beacon’s affordable water heater specialists can handle this issue effectively if DIY solutions seem daunting.

6. High Energy Bills

Problem:

A water heater that’s overworking due to inefficiency can lead to higher energy bills. This is often caused by old or poorly maintained equipment.

Affordable Solution:

DIY Fix: Insulate your water heater tank and pipes to retain heat and improve efficiency.

Professional Help: Hire a local service provider to perform a thorough inspection and maintenance. Affordable maintenance plans are often available in Beacon, NY.

Finding Water heater repair near you in Beacon NY

For those who prefer professional assistance, there are several budget-friendly service providers in Beacon, NY. Look for companies that offer:

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Discounts for first-time customers or maintenance plans.

Emergency repair services at reasonable rates.

You can also check online reviews and ask for referrals to ensure you’re working with a reputable and affordable technician.

Conclusion

Water heater problems can be inconvenient, but they don’t have to be costly. Whether you tackle the issue yourself or seek professional help, there are plenty of affordable solutions available in Beacon, NY. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can save you money in the long run and keep your water heater running efficiently.

[profile-234]

Local Bayonne Water Heater Repair and Installation Services: What to Expect

If you're a homeowner or business owner in Bayonne, NJ, and you're dealing with a water heater issue, it’s important to know exactly what to expect from water heater repair and installation services. Having hot water is essential for day-to-day living, so when your water heater breaks down, it's crucial to address the problem as soon as possible. Whether your water heater is showing signs of wear or it’s completely malfunctioning, professional service can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process and suggest one of the best companies in the Bayonne area for water heater repair and installation: Silva Plumbing and Heating.

Understanding the Types of Water Heater Issues

Water heaters can fail for a variety of reasons. Common signs that your water heater needs attention include:

Inconsistent Water Temperature: One minute the water is hot, and the next, it's freezing. This could mean an issue with the thermostat or heating element.

Strange Noises: Rumbling, popping, or hissing noises often indicate sediment buildup inside the tank or a failing heating element.

Water Leaks: If you notice water pooling around the base of the water heater, it could be leaking, which may require a part replacement or, in some cases, a full replacement.

Discolored Water: Rusty or discolored water coming from your taps is usually a sign of rust inside the water heater, which could be an indication that it's time for a new one.

Age of the Heater: Water heaters typically last between 10 and 15 years. If yours is reaching this age, you might want to consider getting it checked out or replaced to avoid a breakdown.

If you're experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to call in the professionals.

What to Expect from Water Heater Repair Services

When you call a water heater repair service, a technician will typically begin by assessing the issue. This includes a full inspection of the unit to determine the root cause of the problem. The technician may need to:

Test the thermostat to ensure it’s properly regulating the temperature.

Inspect the heating element to check for damage.

Look for any leaks or signs of corrosion.

Drain and flush the tank if there’s sediment buildup.

Once the technician has diagnosed the issue, they’ll explain the problem to you and recommend a course of action. Depending on the severity of the issue, they may be able to repair your existing unit, or they might suggest a replacement if the repairs would be costly or if the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Water Heater Installation: What’s Involved?

If your water heater is beyond repair, the next step is to replace it. A professional service will help guide you through the process of choosing a new water heater that fits your home’s needs. Here’s what you can expect:

Assessment of Your Home's Needs: The technician will consider the size of your home, the number of people in your household, and your typical hot water usage to recommend the right size and type of water heater.

Choice of Heater: There are several types of water heaters to choose from, including tankless, traditional tank, and hybrid models. Your technician will help you choose the most energy-efficient and cost-effective option for your situation.

Professional Installation: Once you've selected the unit, the technician will handle the installation process. This includes setting up the new heater, ensuring it's properly connected to your plumbing system, and checking for any leaks or issues.

Testing: After installation, the technician will test the system to ensure it’s working properly and that the water reaches the right temperature.

Why Choose Silva Plumbing and Heating for Your Water Heater Needs?

In Bayonne, NJ, one of the most trusted names in water heater repair and installation is Silva Plumbing and Heating. This locally owned company has built a strong reputation for its reliable service, expert technicians, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Silva Plumbing and Heating offers:

Expert Technicians: Their skilled team is trained to handle all kinds of water heater issues, from simple repairs to full installations.

Affordable Pricing: They provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Emergency Services: Water heater issues can happen at any time, which is why Silva Plumbing and Heating offers emergency repair services to ensure you never have to go without hot water for long.

Energy-Efficient Solutions: They can help you choose the most energy-efficient water heaters, saving you money on your energy bills while reducing your environmental impact.

Great Customer Service: With Silva Plumbing and Heating, you can expect professional, courteous service every time. Their team is dedicated to getting the job done right the first time.

Conclusion

When you need water heater repair or installation in Bayonne, NJ, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Silva Plumbing and Heating offers expert service, quick response times, and a commitment to quality. Whether you’re dealing with a minor repair or need a full replacement, their team has you covered. Contact Silva Plumbing and Heating today to ensure your home stays warm and your water stays hot!