Water heater service · Kayla Morgan
Rumbling 8-year tank, flush or replace
Kayla and Josh Morgan bought their first home last year, and Kayla is home today. Friendly, nervous, and full of questions.
What you know walking in
Service call. Customer reports loud rumbling and popping from the water heater when it heats. 50-gallon gas tank in the garage, about 8 years old. Not a member.
- 50-gallon atmospheric gas water heater, 8 yrs
- Thermal expansion tank, 8 yrs
What you found
- Sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. Water trapped under it turns to steam when the burner fires, which makes the rumbling. It wastes gas and wears the tank faster.
- The drain valve is plastic and likely to clog or leak during a first flush. A brass valve should go in.
- There are no leaks and no rust at the base or the fittings. The burner, draft, and relief valve are good.
- The anode rod is about half used, which is normal for 8 years. It does not need to be replaced yet.
- The expansion tank holds air and is doing its job.
Your price book for this job
Flush and service Fits this home
Full flush of the sediment · New brass drain valve · Anode rod check · Relief valve test · Burner, draft, and temperature check
$295
Replace with 50-gallon standard gas, 6-year warranty
New 50-gallon gas water heater · Existing expansion tank reused, since it still holds air · Two seismic straps · Permit and haul-away
$2,150
or $55/mo
The honest fit is marked. Recommend what the home needs, and only that.
Your goal
Explain the rumbling in plain words and recommend the flush and service as the honest fix for a tank that is not leaking. Help the customer plan for a replacement later without pushing one now.
Difficulty: Easy
Plan you can offer
- Summit Care Club$19.95 a month
Speak naturally. Kayla hears you, reacts to how you say things, and remembers. Headphones make it feel real.