Returning from our midday walk, me and the dogs were greeted with an alarm blaring from inside my house. It didn’t sound like a smoke detector, so I guessed, correctly, it was one of my water alarms. I ran upstairs to shut it off and investigate.
Sure enough, there was a small pool of water in the pan underneath my hot water tank, which ridiculously, is installed on the second story of my home. I’m sure there was a reason for doing this since the other 10 similar homes on my street have their hot water tank located in the same place. That reason likely had to do with it being cheaper for the builder.
I knew eventually I would need to replace the tank. I guessed it was 8-10 year old. I have kept an eye on it since I moved in 4 years ago because I’ve had 4 different neighbors have their tanks leak and cause major damage to floors, ceilings and walls.
Fortunately for me, my leak is small right now. I’d guess less than 1/2 cup has leaked into the pan. Unfortunately, Ainslie’s #1 Rule of plumbing still applies: Leaks never get better.*
I called my plumber, who I used for several jobs before. They are booked solid until next week. So I got on next door, found someone who was highly recommended and called him. He’s coming over this afternoon to replace my tank.
Just yesterday morning I was thinking this would be a good month for expenses with no extra $1000+ for vet bills, dog supplies, taxes and other random things.
Wrong.
Both plumbers and my friend, the master tinkerer, confirmed my diagnosis. The tank needs to be replaced.
My friend told me to focus on the positives: my alarm worked, I caught the leak early and by tonight I’ll have a new tank and hot water. That sure beats waking up on Thanksgiving Day with water pouring down the walls and ceiling.
I knew this day would come. In 20 years, I’ve owned 7 houses and had to replace at least 4 hot water tanks.
I am sure I will be shocked at how much it ends up costing. But whatever. That’s the deal I accepted to when I bought a house.
*Corollary- If it’s mechanical it will eventually break.