+- Woodnet Forums (https://forums.woodnet.net)
+-- Thread: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater (/showthread.php?tid=7378008)
The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - crokett™ - 02-25-2025
isn't. at least not well it seems. measured at several faucets with a people thermometer the water temp measured 98.2 The water heater is 10 years old. It is kind of a pain to get at. You have to partially empty a closet and pull a cover off the wall. I was in there 3 years ago at least then it looked ok no signs of rusting. At this point my assumption is bad lower element but I haven't tested it yet. Should I try to repair or just replace it? It is electric so replacement would be mostly straightforward. It is a builder-grade, meaning the brand is not sold in retail outlets. It has a 6 year tank warranty according to the company. I'll concede that replacing it means I don't have to deal with testing, trying to locate parts, etc. If I replaced the element, it wouldn't make sense to not replace the anode, and I don't think I have ever successfully removed one of those from a water heater.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - EatenByLimestone - 02-25-2025
With only a single element, you should still get water the correct temperature, makeup will be slower though. In the morning, when nobody has used any hot water for hours, you should have a full tank of hot water. I think I’d pull the covers and see what’s happening.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - Snipe Hunter - 02-25-2025
Most likely your lower element. Why replace a water heater if it isn't leaking? A simple ohm meter is all you need to test the elements. Any hardware store will have the element. They're pretty much generic, especially the builder grade stuff. Anode replacement can be tough in a confined space unless you have about 4-5 ft of hradroom over it. . Be prepared to use an impact wrench to remove the anode.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - crokett™ - 02-25-2025
(02-25-2025, 07:59 AM)EatenByLimestone Wrote: With only a single element, you should still get water the correct temperature, makeup will be slower though. In the morning, when nobody has used any hot water for hours, you should have a full tank of hot water. I think I’d pull the covers and see what’s happening.
My shower this morning was warm. thinking it maybe was the shower I tested several taps, they were all about 98-99 degrees. A couple years ago my wife thought somethign was wrong. I drained it then and tested, everytthing tested out ok ohm wise. I refilled it and it seemed normal.
(02-25-2025, 08:46 AM)Snipe Hunter Wrote: Most likely your lower element. Why replace a water heater if it isn't leaking? A simple ohm meter is all you need to test the elements. Any hardware store will have the element. They're pretty much generic, especially the builder grade stuff. Anode replacement can be tough in a confined space unless you have about 4-5 ft of hradroom over it. . Be prepared to use an impact wrench to remove the anode.
Yeah I don't have an impact wrench. Maybe this is an excuse to get one. I do have some headroom. I'll figure out what element I need and have it on hand to tackle this thing this weekend.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - crokett™ - 02-25-2025
So this discussion is likely moot. My wife has decreed "fix it" and has sent me links to a couple different water heaters. For a while she has felt like something is wrong. I have tested water temps, etc and never found anything, but I've been married long enough to know that sometimes fighting feelings isn't worth it. Financially we can afford it. We aren't making a decision between eating and a new water heater or anything like that.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - blackhat - 02-25-2025
Something to ponder on. 45 years in this game and no one has ever told me their water heater is too big. Lots of the opposite.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - crokett™ - 02-25-2025
(02-25-2025, 12:45 PM)blackhat Wrote: Something to ponder on. 45 years in this game and no one has ever told me their water heater is too big. Lots of the opposite.
yeah. we are pondering that. I need to make sure the circuit will support a larger tank assuming they draw more watts. also I really should learn to get all my facts before I post here, but I like to preplan as much as possible. anyway, pulled the access hatch off the wall to get to the heater and found rust around the bottom edge.I know for certain the rust was not there 2 years ago the last time I had it open. it was dry but there are water stains in the pan. could be overflow, could be the start of a leak but as soon as I saw that I said this current heater is getting deleted.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - fredhargis - 02-25-2025
You might want to check on what's available (in size). I thought the sizes were restricted by law to meet some environmental stuff.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - EatenByLimestone - 02-25-2025
I have my boiler heating my water through an indirect tank. Unlimited hot water.
RE: The Joys of Home Ownership - Water Heater - crokett™ - 02-25-2025
(02-25-2025, 04:23 PM)fredhargis Wrote: You might want to check on what's available (in size). I thought the sizes were restricted by law to meet some environmental stuff.
What's available around here off the shelf that fits the current wiring gauge and breaker is another 50 gallon. it is a 220V 25A circuit which I think means I can go to 5000W. However, the next size up is a 55 gallon and that would take a month to get.
(02-25-2025, 05:29 PM)EatenByLimestone Wrote: I have my boiler heating my water through an indirect tank. Unlimited hot water.
That would be nice except I don't have a boiler.