Bringing some heat!!!
Without going into a huge discussion of the 'symptoms' that forced the need for the replacement of our 15 year old water heater, a buddy came over Sunday afternoon to help me with the task.
15 years ago, the 40 gallon water heater cost about $125-$150. That price included the water heater, installation parts and labor (my father-in-law & I). The 50 gallon replacement tank, with installation parts, cost almost $530. No, that is not a typo! (I won't get into why they are so expensive now. Hint - government and new safety issues)
After the installation was completed, and leaks fixed, I set the new thermostat at approximately the same location on the dial as the previous heater had been, realizing that I may have to adjust it slightly up-or-down on Monday.
Fast forward to that night and time for my shower: I set the shower knob at the normal location for the temperature I like (normally a very hot shower) and got in. The water started off warm (as usual) and began warming up. I was sitting in my shower chair and reaching for the soap as the water continued to get hotter, very quickly. Next thing I know, scalding hot water is hitting me ... I screamed like a little girl as I thought I was inflicting my internal organs to third-degree burns! I have never felt water that hot come from a shower before. I could have easily cooked pasta in that water.
Needless to say, I lowered the thermostat level on the new water heater shortly after I recovered!
