Entropy strikes again, this time at the heart of my water heater. Dang.

It's one of those new-fangled tankless jobs, and I am ever so grateful that I bugged Rodney the HVAC Guy relentlessly until he found time to get over here for the routine maintenance that unfortunately wasn't nearly routine enough until I came along. When opened up to reveal its innermost workings, it displayed clumps of crud where no crud ought to be. That is the diagnostic sign of an interior leak that will sooner or later become a full-on splat on the floor whenever a hot-water tap is opened anywhere in the house. System death would ensue shortly thereafter.

Trouble is, thanks to the many and varied hurdles, hindrances and pinch-points of the COVID-era supply system, the critical part is out of stock indefinitely in southwestern Ontario, back-ordered since forever with no delivery date in sight. That part, were it available, would cost about Cdn$1,250. The machine was installed in 2009 and is supposed to last about 20 years, although I doubt that the manufacturer ever tested it with anything like the liquid limestone we call water in Stratford. (The crud is lime deposit.)

A brand-new tankless water heater would cost about Cdn$3,250, installed, and can be procured promptly and without hassle from Rodney's favourite supplier.

My military mind briskly sorted the COAs (courses of action, in HQ jargon) and I shocked Rodney to the core by informing him that it would be more cost-effective to replace the thing now. Who knows when the critical part will be available again, or what it will cost on that great and glorious day? And do I really want to face a dead water heater when I'm significantly older and more decrepit than I am now? Sounds of rumination came through the phone while Rodney tried to think like an aging lady who has money for capital improvements now but may not have it later.

We finally agreed that I would keep the current device until it starts dripping, which could take as long as a year, and then replace it. Until then, a large bucket sits under it and I'm hoping it doesn't crap out for good while I'm in the shower.