Trials of Adulthood – Replacing a Hot Water Heater

Using a small amount of intelligence and elbow grease to save yourself hundreds...

I recently had the joy of my hot water heater going out. In the middle of a stretch of -20 degree days... 

Finally, I was hit with the number 1 argument everyone always gives against buying your own home, the, "Well, What if (enter miscellaneous household appliance) goes out? You're going to have to pay to get that replaced." Yes, after all these years of owning a house, a crucial appliance quit functioning. Now what? 

Clearly, my first step was to panic. At 5:15 in the morning when you realize the shower is never going to heat up it is a natural instinct to panic and assume the worst. After a 30 second shower, I was able to get to school and immediately begin to research the price of new hot water heaters. I automatically assumed the worst. 

Later that night, I was able to gather my senses and relight the pilot light for the heater. A process that intimidated me for no other reason than gas + fire = bigger fire, and I had never worked with a hot water heater before. I felt victorious until I was unable to keep the burner lit for an extended period. It seemed as if my worst fear had been realized. I was going to have to call a professional. After doing some quick calling and internet research, I found a company that could come out after a few days for the sweet price of $129 just to check out what the problem might be. Not having a ton of experience, I assumed this was the only route I could take. However, after I started asking around, I found perhaps the problem was one I could solve myself and possibly for considerably cheaper.