I have a Veteran friend in need of assistance with their water heater. Anyone with ideas where they can get assistance?

SGT Mark Stevens — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 20:17:34 -0500

Ok everyone, I have a battle in need of help out here in the state of Washington. I have helped this person on and off the last few years while they have been forced to wait on the VA to perform a De Novo on her claims from when they served in Iraq. This problem is more then I can do alone.
Problem:
Their water heater has gone out. Actually it went out in July and I was told it was going to be taken care of before the fall. They have nothing in place to do this. This Vet and significant other do not work at this time. Vet can't work. There is one teen in the household.
Although I appear on here often none of you know me from Addam so I'm not looking for money. What I am looking for are ideas, suggestions, nudges in the right direction please. I've had a few of my own but they didn't pan out.
Bottom line, I don't want this Vet and their family to suffer any more. Thank you for your advice.
Mark I Stevens

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 10 at 2015 1:11 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 01:11:42 -0500

First, thanks for not leaving a fallen comrade SGT Mark Stevens! If it is an electric water heater, my experience tells me that chances are the element is burnt due to a buildup of calcium. You can do a check yourself (MAKE SURE THE POWER IS OFF) using a multi-meter and check for resistance (Ohms) across the element (without removing it). If it is in fact an element, it is easy to replace and fairly inexpensive.....shortly after I married my wife, our water heater went out so I showed her how to replace it....When I went to Bosnia several years (and two PCS's later) the water heater went out in our new home and she was able to repair it herself without calling any help whatsoever (while raising four kids)....I truly believe my wife is a Rockstar but my point is that it is not a hard fix if it is just an element to replace. Thanks again for not abandoning your battle buddy!

edited to add a youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlyStHM9Nr0

Troubleshooting Electric Water Heaters in MINUTES ~ Step By Step

A very nice video tutorial on how you can easily identify the cause of an electric water heater failure. AFTER you establish that there is power being suppli...

Response by 1stLt Craig H. Trout made Dec 15 at 2015 7:29 AM

1stLt Craig H. Trout — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 07:29:17 -0500

I kneow of a very elderly man (96 years old - retired County Sheriff), who frist lost his water heater and then all running water (well upump also failed). I found that local service clubs were more than ready to assist. Members of the local Rotarians (some with just the right skills) immediatley went on site, donated a new water heater, and completly restored his running water -- all after me making a very short presentation to their local meeting. I suggest you contact your local service clubs, such as Kiiwanis, Rotary Club, ect., they might be VERY willing to help, especially for a vet.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Mar 24 at 2017 6:37 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 18:37:33 -0400

My water heater just went out this week too. I was able to scrape up the money for it, but now I'm told that the wiring is the wrong gauge and will cost more. Any ideas?

Response by PV2 Evelyn Harwell made Jan 8 at 2019 6:03 PM

PV2 Evelyn Harwell — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:03:33 -0500

My brother in law is a vet ,his oil burner broke,the tank is full he's 70 does not have any money ,can u send me someone that can fix it .He leaves in reading pa and the weatther is getting cold.