Help! Hot water heaters!

[Spinning]

Ours died! I think! It isn't heating and I haven't heard back from the plumber.
Do you usually have to replace the entire unit or can you replace the heating element?
Are they hard to put in yourself!?!? Hubby is pretty good but I know he never did this before!

 

[bicker]

Electric, oil-fueled, or gas-fired?

 

[Christine]

Usually you replace the whole thing. My DH and his friend did it together a few months ago. Honestly, though, it is probably better to have it installed by whoever you buy it from. Installation is usually about $150 and is worth it in my opinion. It took my DH and his friend quite a few hours to install it (but the beer could have had something to do with that).

 

[Chicago526]

My water heater in my last home wasn't working right, once. I'd only have enough hot water for a 5 minute shower, if I was lucky. Turned out that the dip tube had broken off. We just had to replace it, it was a $5 part and my dad did it for me.

But if they really go kaput, then you usually have to buy a new one. Sorry!

 

[CharityLynn]

I have a gas one and ours wasn't working..just needed to re light the pilot...

 

[Spinning]

oops sorry it is electric! I keep forgetting people use oil or gas to heat their hot water.