Hot Water Woes? How We Saved 50% on a Tankless Water Heater (and What You Should Know Before You Buy)
I’ve been a bit MIA lately—life’s been full, fun, and just a little bit crazy! We recently returned from a much-needed vacation (absolutely marvelous, by the way 🙌), and let’s just say, re-entry into “real life” came with a surprise.
Picture this: I step into the shower, ready to start the day, and the water is ice cold. 😱 Not just a little chilly—cold enough to wake the neighbors.
Later, my husband took a peek in the basement and discovered the culprit: our water heater had sprung a leak.
Leaking power vent gas hot water heater
Circa 2005
🚿 The $8,500 Wake-Up Call
We jumped online and started searching for a replacement, landing on Lowe’s.com where we clicked the “Free Estimate” button. Sounds easy enough, right? A plumbing contractor from Indianapolis came out to take a look and dropped these jaw-dropping numbers:
$5,500 for a gas power vent water heater
$8,500 for a tankless model 😳
Yikes!
Cue the deep breaths. For empty nesters trying to live wisely and frugally, that number just wasn’t going to fly.
🛠️ Our Tankless Water Heater Solution (and Huge Savings!)
We took a few days, did our homework, and gathered multiple quotes from local plumbers.
We ended up choosing a top-of-the-line tankless gas water heater—perfect for our four-bathroom home, laundry, and all the kitchen chaos that still occurs even in our empty-nest phase.
✅ Final price: $4,200
✅ Installed by a trusted local contractor
✅ Savings: Over 50%
Lesson learned: Never accept the first quote, especially from a big-box store. Companies like Lowe’s often outsource their installs, meaning you’re not always dealing directly with the supplier or installer. That can lead to higher costs and less control over the process.
💡 What to Do When Your Water Heater Quits
If you’re a midlife mom or empty nester dealing with a surprise water heater meltdown (because let’s be honest—this stuff always happens at the worst time), here are a few quick tips:
Don’t panic—start researching.
Know the type of unit you need and the size that fits your home and lifestyle.Get multiple quotes.
Three or more is ideal. Call local plumbers directly and compare apples to apples.Consider going tankless.
If your home is set up correctly, it can be more energy-efficient and reliable in the long run.Ask the right questions.
Is the quote all-inclusive? What’s the warranty? Are they licensed and insured?Buy local when you can.
Not only does it save money, but it also supports your community, and you may even get better customer service.
☕ From Cold Showers to Cozy Comfort
This little adventure reminded me how important it is to advocate for ourselves in midlife, whether that’s in relationships, health decisions, or home maintenance. You deserve warm showers and a warm bank account!
If this story helped you—or made you laugh a little—share it with a friend who’s navigating the ups and downs of homeownership in this new season of life.
👉 Have you ever had a surprise home repair? I’d love to hear your story—drop a comment or connect with me over on Instagram @connecthomelife.
Until next time, may your coffee be strong and your water warm. ☕
—Jo 💛
“Our mission: Navigating change with faith, inspiring connection, passion, & purpose. ”
Discover Your God-Centered Identity & Purpose in This Season
A faith-based guided workbook with reflection questions, Scripture prompts, and practical exercises designed to help you reconnect with God, rediscover yourself, and step confidently into what’s next.
You’ve spent years pouring into your family, building a career, and faithfully showing up for the people you love.
Now life looks a little different.
The house is quieter.
The calendar has changed.
And you may find yourself asking:
What does this next chapter look like for me?
If your role is shifting, your nest is quieter, or your identity feels like it’s evolving, you’re not alone.
The Self-Discovery Toolbox was created for this exact moment.
This thoughtfully designed digital workbook gives you space to slow down, reflect deeply, and rediscover the identity and purpose God has been shaping in your life all along.
This isn’t about reinventing yourself.
It’s about realigning with who God created you to be.
What the Self-Discovery Toolbox Helps You Do
This guided workbook offers a clear pathway to help you rediscover direction and move forward with faith and intention.
Reflect with Purpose
Scripture-based prompts and journaling questions help you process where you are in this season.
Explore with Clarity
Guided exercises help uncover your values, strengths, experiences, and God-given passions.
Align Your Life with What Matters Most
Practical reflection tools help you realign priorities and daily rhythms with your faith.
Move Forward with Confidence
Small, intentional steps help you begin living the next chapter God may be calling you into.
Whether you are navigating the empty nest, retirement, a career transition, or a season of personal rediscovery, this workbook helps you move forward thoughtfully and faithfully.
The REAL Framework
The Self-Discovery Toolbox is built around a simple four-stage process called REAL:
Reflect
Slow down and take an honest look at where you are today.
Explore
Identify your values, passions, and God-given strengths.
Align
Adjust your priorities and rhythms to reflect what matters most.
Live
Take purposeful steps toward the life God is inviting you into next.
This structured framework helps you move from reflection to meaningful action.
What’s Included
✔ Guided reflection worksheets
✔ Faith-based journaling prompts rooted in Scripture
✔ Mindset maps and practical self-care tools
✔ Structured exercises based on the REAL framework
✔ Printable US Letter digital workbook
✔ Instant download after purchase
You can print the workbook or work through it digitally at your own pace.
What Others Are Saying
"The Toolbox helped me rediscover clarity in a season when I felt unsure of my next step. It gave me space to reflect and move forward with confidence."
— Alexis R., Empty Nest Mom
"The Self-Discovery Toolbox is the perfect next step after becoming an empty nester. It helped me remember who I am, clarify what I value, and begin dreaming about my future again."
— Kristin, Empty Nest Mom
Who This Workbook Is For
The Self-Discovery Toolbox was created for people navigating meaningful life transitions, including:
✔ Empty nest parents rediscovering life after the kids leave home
✔ Women and men experiencing midlife identity shifts
✔ Individuals exploring retirement or career change
✔ Faith-centered individuals seeking renewed clarity and direction
✔ Anyone longing to reconnect with purpose in a new season
Begin Your Next Chapter with Clarity
This is more than a workbook.
It’s a guided companion for spiritual and personal rediscovery.
Take a breath.
Slow down long enough to listen.
And begin exploring the next chapter God may be unfolding in your life.
Self-Discovery Toolbox
Sale Price: $29 (Regularly $49)
✔ Instant digital download
✔ Secure checkout
✔ One-time purchase
Begin today and step forward with clarity, faith, and purpose.
Digital Delivery: This is a digital product. No physical item will be shipped. After purchase, you’ll receive access to your download through the order confirmation page and/or confirmation email.