G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile

Buell Forum » Quick Board Archives » Archive through June 14, 2009 » No Homecoming to save $$$..Hot water heater BLOWS » Archive through June 08, 2009 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wolfridgerider
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 09:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

So I skip Homecoming to save some $$$....
I taught a BRC class to make some extra coin...
Just did re-fi on the house and the closing was Friday..

2 good excused not to go the Homecoming....

Got home Saturday after class and did my Honey-Do list til about 10 pm
Got home Sunday after class and had a LARGE tree that died and needed the chainsaw treatment....

After I got it cut and cleaned up I was on the back porch about to pass out when BANG!!

WTF WAS THAT?!?!?!

Check the kitchen....
Check the garage....
Check the bedrooms....

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?!?

head to the basement to find the bottom of my 80 GALLON!! hot water heater taking a rather large wiz on my basement floor....

What a suck fest!....

just needed to vent....

Ever time I start to get ahead.... I get a kick to the groin...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Hughlysses
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 09:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Major household appliances are psychic about you having any extra funds on hand.

I feel your pain.

I guess you can just be glad you didn't skip all that, go to homecoming, and have your wife call you at ~ 7 AM Friday to tell you the HW heater had blown.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Mr_grumpy
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 09:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Ouch, I feel your pain.

Every time I get somewhere near the end of my Honey Do list, she adds stuff on.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jimduncan69
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 11:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

damn that sucks. did it flood your basement? at least you heard it go. it would have really sucked if it happened when you weren't home. you could have come home to a indoor pool in your basement.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Etennuly
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 11:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That is what your groin is for! It is mounted where it is to protect what ever is behind it.....kinda like a car bumper.

It could be worse.....you could be me. I just got that rear tire replaced that did the Daytona run. Business has been doing better, but the wave of incoming funds has been slow going.}
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wolfridgerider
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

did it flood your basement?

Thank God it didn't! One of my peeps in the know thinks a heating element bought the farm and poked a hole in the tank.
It only leaks when I turn on the water and it is running to the wall and down between the wall and slab to the sump pump...

IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE!!

damn thin is only 7 years old!

gonna get a Maytag with a life time warranty from Lowes for $599.00
I may be able to get a discount on that from one of my contractor buds...

the install might be painful....
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Glitch
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Go tankless!
It's the best way to go, since you have to replace anyway.
Never run out of hot water, and you'll stop heating water that's just sitting waiting to be used.
IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE!!
Silver lining!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wolfridgerider
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm all electric and it takes a big bunch of juice to run a tankless one....

Believe me... I was thinking about that last night....
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

After seeing the episode of MythBusters, where they launched a water heater 200 ft in the air, through a small house, I walk past mine with alot more respect.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Glitch
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm all electric
Oh well...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Oldog
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

After seeing the episode of MythBusters, where they launched a water heater 200 ft in the air, through a small house, I walk past mine with alot more respect.

Thats why they have releif valves on them
the brass thing on the top with the lever on it and a pipe down to the floor}

in the event of a stuck thermostat the valve opens and the steam is allowed to escape Vs failing the tank.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Remember they had to try and make that tank explode and launch on mythbusters, its an absolute worst case scenario and if you defeat all the safeties.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Spiderman
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm all electric and it takes a big bunch of juice to run a tankless one....

How ya figure?

You only heat water when you need it as opposed to keeping 55 plus gallons of water hot all the time...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Brinnutz
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The USPS has movers packets in the lobby's. They have 10% off coupon codes in there for Lowe's. That'll save you $60. =)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Hughlysses
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The problem is you have to heat the water VERY rapidly to get it from ~60 degrees F up to ~110 degrees F or so as it passes through the heater. A typical household unit draws 100-120 amps.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Spiderman
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just from a common sense standpoint your statement makes little to no sense.

1. there is no info I could find online to support the fact that TWH consume more power then tanked WH.

2. You wouldn't be able to get the 'green' tax credit if it did suck more energy than standard water heaters...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Brinnutz
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 01:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

On NPR one day, a guy put a huge tank (I think a couple to few hundred gallon), in the water line before the heater...His idea was that the water in the tank would be warmed by the surround air from say, 45-50 degrees to 60-65ish saving his water heater the energy to warm it up, therefore cutting energy. IIRC he said it paid for itself the first year.

He had the water heater drawing water from the top half of the big tank, where the warmer water would be...

Thought it was cool anyways, pretty good idea I thought, if tankless isn't an option.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Hughlysses
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 01:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Spidey, dude. http://www.e-tankless.com/products.php

Look at their recommended applications for the area (Ohio), and then look at the electrical specs.

A tankless heater still uses less power overall compared to a conventional water heater, you just have to be able to supply a LOT of power in a short time to make hot water "on demand".
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Spiderman
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 01:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hmmmm
Tanker 16-42 kw

Tankless 12-36kw

ok but that doesn't describe; usage, time, efficiency, how many times the tanker has to turn on and off to keep 55 gallons warm...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jimduncan69
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 02:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i was looking at the electric tankless water heaters. i have read they cost less to run than the gas ones. and are easier to install, no vents needed. but you have to have large supply of power to it. like Hugh said they will save money but when they are on they use A LOT of power. i was looking at these. http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stiebel-Eltron- Tempra-29-Electric-Tankless-Water-Heater/12930/Cat /479
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Spiderman
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 02:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

OK now I'm pickin up what Hugh is layin down.

I was thinkin he meant that an over all usage not a total usage...

Yeah it is gonna suck a ton of power at usage but unless you are living in a 100+ year old home you will be fine ; )
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Mr_grumpy
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 02:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If you live in the country & you go tankless, make sure ALL your electrical equipment is surge protected, you'll get some mighty fluctuations on your line when it cuts in & out.
Our geo-thermal heatpump dims the lights when it kicks in but we're the end of the line here & on 220v single phase.

Court's the electrical engineer on here he oughta know.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wolfridgerider
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 02:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I would love to go tankless but the extra $$$.$$ I would need to put down up front is making me wince.....

This is the big boy I'll be putting my money on.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetai l&productId=161857-135-EE3Z80HD055V

lifetime warranty.... plus I'm getting the install for FREE and my friends contractor discount....

IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Svh
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 02:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Tis the season apparently. Saw 4 water heaters parked by the curb this morning on my drive to the gym. Only one looked truly old.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wolfridgerider
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 02:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just a FYI, my old water heater is a Rheem

I also have a Rheem HVAC equipment..... I think I have the HVAC contractor out once a year to fix something....

I wouldn't give a Rheem product to a Al-Quada terrorist...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Brinnutz
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 02:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Don't forget about the 10% off at the post office, just ask for the mover's package...seriously, they are always there.

Or you could also buy gift cards from eBay and no one pays full price for gift cards there, so you could save tons....Just make sure the auction says you get a physical card.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Hughlysses
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 03:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I wouldn't give a Rheem product to a Al-Quada terrorist...



I used to work with a miserly type dude. He claimed that if you'd change the sacrificial anode (a zinc bar that screws into the top of the tank) out every 3 or 4 years, your water heater would last forever. The bar protects the tank from rusting (even though the tank is supposed to be lined with a coating) and eventually the bar gets used up, at which point, the tank begins to rust out. The trouble is NOBODY changes the anodes so not even plumbing suppliers bother to stock the things. This guy claimed he'd go to appliance junkyards and pull the anodes out of junk water heaters and save the good ones and change the one out in his home unit. IIRC you can order new anodes on-line fairly cheaply.

Sounds plausible, but I haven't bothered to try it.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wolfridgerider
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 03:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The funny thing is.... I am on a well.

The high mineral content of my water added to the anode makes for rotten egg smelling water.....

The plumber that did the install cut the anode off and said that'll fix the smell......


THANK YOU SIR!!! MAY I HAVE ANOTHER!!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Mr_grumpy
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 03:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

WTF sort of plumber was that?

If you're on a well put in a filtration & softener system, before it hits the house, you'll prolong the life of the new heater, plus you'll reduce your energy consumption as the heating element won't get calcified. Add to this, that you'll likely DOUBLE the life of any new appliances like washing machine & dishwasher, you'll use less than HALF of the detergent products you now need, plus you'll have drinking pure sweet water on tap. We did it beginning of last year, the difference is AMAZING & effectively free! We calculate that the unit will have paid for itself in around 2 years.

I'm not kidding, if you live in a hard water area or you have any sort of water purity issues these things pay for themselves & rapidly too.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pammy
Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 05:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have an electric/tankless water heater. 2 220 50A feeds. It is not bad on my electric bill. My pool pump on the other hand...

+1 on the filter/softner.
« Previous Next »

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration