After more than 8 years of enjoying the modern convenience of instantly available hot water, a local family is now coming to terms with the fact that their immediate future will be luke warm at best.
The Baker family of Harlingen first began noticing signs of what was to come when their water heater began malfunctioning more than 18 months ago. The daily need to reset the breaker on the appliance located in their garage became accepted routine after several weeks beginning in March of 2009. About 12 months after the first signs of trouble, chunks of rust and reddish-brown water began to flow freely from the bottom of the heater and seeping at an alarming rate from other parts as well. However obvious, these clear warning signs were disregarded in large part because the water was still being heated.
Although it was generally accepted that the water heater's life span had been surpassed, no effort on the part of the family was made to plan or save the minimum $512.00 needed for an eventual replacement and installation. In fact, while funds were readily available during the critical first days following the initial malfunction the money was used instead to take at least two trips to San Antonio where the family enjoyed touring the city, having a fun time at Splash Town and 'kicking it' with Shamu at Sea World. Much needed capital was also squandered as a result of the 2010 'Netbooks for Everyone' buying frenzy that took place in February.
Unavoidably, the water heater finally ceased to operate entirely on or about August 25th and was discovered thanks in part to the river of water gushing down the driveway from inside the garage. It was immediately suspected that the bottom had finally given way completely and after a brief examination it was confirmed. Water and power were both shut off to the now-deceased heater for a final time. Shortly thereafter, phone calls to both Home Depot and Lowes Home Improvement uncovered the meticulously avoided truth: water heaters are expensive. Considering the impact on the family, it was decided to see how long the children complained about showering with cold water and washing the dishes by hand before moving forward with the sizable purchase; originally decided because a Rush concert was coming up soon and money would be needed for the trip. Since it was still effectively summertime, it was hoped that the water pipes that ran across the ceiling of the house would be warmed by the heat from the attic in the day at least long enough for a few precious seconds of warmth. It turned out to be a fool's hope, but for a time there was hope nonetheless.
Now, over one month later the Baker children no longer mention the shower temperature and the family has settled into a new, hotless-water routine that has become thankfully commonplace saving both precious dollars and the pressing need to spend them. Sadly, the replacement will have to be installed sooner rather than later given the expected autumn temperature changes, scheduled overnight family visits and the realization that the children no longer consider themselves 'just lucky enough' to have indoor plumbing.
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