Posted on Nov 9, 2015
SGT Mark Stevens
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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
Posted in these groups: Help HelpHr Home Repair/Improvement
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Responses: 4
1stLt Craig H. Trout
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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.
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SGT Mark Stevens
SGT Mark Stevens
9 y
I will keep this in mind if this comes up again. We were able to get them back up and running after checking the elements and making some basic repairs.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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Edited 9 y ago
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
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SGT Mark Stevens
SGT Mark Stevens
9 y
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
Thank you for the advice! I didn't even stop to think and ask such a simple question to them. When I was told it went out, I just assumed it was dead. Had it been my own I would most assuredly try to repair before replacing! Sometime it's the simple things we forget to check first. Thank you!
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PV2 Evelyn Harwell
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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.
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