So these are the electric heating coils. Over time, they pick up deposits from the water than runs through the tank and can become inefficient, or even stop working all together. To make sure they are not using more power than they should, keeping them clean of the deposit buildup is important. This was originally all I was going to do, and it was supposed to be straight forward. As it turns out though, a large adjustable wrench is not the tool of choice for these things. Big box store trip #1.
Finally I got around to insulating the tank. I put a piece of foam insulation under the tank to act as a thermal break between the basement floor (un-insulated basement) and the water tank. While the coolest water in the tank is going to be on the bottom, and therefore less likely to shed heat, every little bit helps. To get the foam board in place required me removing the in- and out-flow pipes on the top of the tank. Unfortunately, again because its an old tank, caused the rubber gasket in one of the pipes to fail. Trip #3 to the big box store.
Finally, I got it all back together, with the insulating blanket taped onto the tank. I was all set to fire it all back up again, so I did. When I opened the hot water valve upstairs, there was a hiss of air followed by a loud clunk/bang, which resulted in the air ceasing to flow. It took me a while to figure it out, but I finally came to the conclusion that sediment in the bottom of the tank was forced into the pipe and then became lodged in the T section that splits off to the washer. I realized that I needed something to break up the blockage. I was going to use a wire, but there was no practical way to get the wire into the pipe, let alone the 10 feet from the possible entry point to where the pipe was blocked. What I really needed was air or water to be forced back through the line. Since I did not have any of that equipment, this is where the 60 mile round trip factors in. When I picked up my dad's compressor, I grabbed an old air hose, rather than taking his good one in an effort to be considerate. To my dismay when I got home and plugged it into the compressor, it was full of holes and cracks along its entire length. I tried to cut it back a few times, but the hose was toast. This is when I made the trip to the automotive store to get a new hose for the compressor. Mind you, its now evening, and I have to be at work in an hour or so, my wife wants a HOT shower, and my son is tired of being entertained in the basement while I try to fix my mess. Fortunately with the new hose, the pipe is cleared and hot water is restored to the house, and I made it to work on time.
The lesson I should have taken away from this, and now that I am a few projects deeper into the old house, was that with old houses, nothing is simple, quick, or easy. More projects to come.....
