It’s been raining the past few days. The ground is a very heavy clay and working outside becomes impossible. Otherwise, I would have one or two less trees. So, I’ve been measuring and estimate inside house projects. One at the top of the list was replacing the WH and I think he moved to the top.
I take baths and each one runs the Water Heater completely out before filling the tub. It’s got a lot of popping going on and generally seems to reassert the Inspector’s opinion that it’s on it’s last legs.
I really looked over the closet it’s in. There are old water stains on some ancient tile. The pipes are heavily corroded from the wall to the WH’s newer fittings. It maybe the kind of corrosion due to connecting different metals. Which is the science behind batteries. The metals swap electrons rusting each other.
There are several reasons to replace and move it. The hall closet is awkward and odd. The Water Heater is making it very disgusting. There’s no reasonable drain. In the case of an accident the whole house will flood. Everyone detects a gas odor when the door is opened. I suspect there’s not enough oxygen to fully burn the gas. The placement in the center of the house is noticeable when it is refilling and heating. It’s not meeting my one person needs.
The several reason for moving and changing to electricity. It should be easy to connect water and electric. The intended location shares a wall with the Washer and is about 10 ft from the circuit breaker. This location also has access to an external wall. So, a hole could be drilled for the TP valve. The garage is on the opposite end of the house from the bedrooms, so noise are inconsequential. Being next to the washer and dishwasher is probably a bonus for both. They need high temperature water than bathrooms. The garage is the usual place for the Water Heater.
Electric and gas prices won’t diverge like they have in the past, because so many electric plants burn gas. There’s not much savings going away from gas. Gas reheats at twice the rate of electric, but a larger capacity heater should take care of that. Gas is usually more efficient at energy transfer. Modern high efficiency electrics match gas on efficiency. Electric heaters are cheaper than gas. The HE models cost about as much as a similar gas unit.
The target is an 80+ gallon 90%+ efficiency electric. Taller is better than wider
So, I need a plumber, electrician, and Water Heater.