Oh, well, at least I am used to surprises.

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I did get into the spare bathroom this morning.  I had to remove some attachments.  Even if earthquakes are rare here, they are a part of the history of the land... and technically (wild assed guesses by pseudo-scientists, really) we are overdue.  In any case, the water heaters are strapped in for a ride.  No, no, I haven't strapped the one in the basement in, or back in.  I keep forgetting the strapping... and concrete screws.  Yes, those make a difference.  Standard steel will rust out very quickly (as was obvious by one used downstairs).  It's, yes, it's on the list... mother.  Then I had to undo the hot water out line.

I'm a bit worried.  The new water heater is much taller.  Which, generally, is fine, mostly.  The thing is, the pipes come out of the wall where it would be more space-wise economical to put the water heater.  Every inch in there is precious, and this could cost too much.  I will be unpacking the water heater with care, in case it has to go back for an exchange, I'll say that right up front.  I may end up having to spend a little more for a little less.  Then again, the problem with the 'shorty' that particular store had was that it was too broad, had too large of a diameter, for the space.  I am hoping to make this one fit.  Strapping it in won't be that much of a problem, either,  I will simply have to use studs on the side wall instead of the back wall.  The question is, will there be enough room?  Another problem?  I was sure I had drained the water heater.  I know we ran water a time or two, even with it spraying out, but I didn't think it would fill that much that fast.  It looks like I may have been wrong.  It must be half full.  It is far too heavy, in that little space, to get it out without a lot more water out.  No problems.  Actually, this time, in case it was a minor height issue keeping water in the tank, I will bring in the cinder blocks to make sure elevation is on the side of water vacation versus retention.  Though the outlet could be blocked by sediment...  Just don't know yet.

All good.  A few problems to consider.  But I'm on my way.  Not really as awake as I was a bit ago but I want to get through this, or on to figuring out my next steps, and have this done today... or at least return this one and begin looking for another.  We will see shortly.  Something I notice was... my ability to turn a bolt by hand has greatly improved already.  Where I might otherwise have needed a wrench or socket I can now just grip those little bastards and twist like I meant it and get them out.  Skin, it seems, and muscle, toughen very fast for me.  Almost scary fast, in my opinion.  Then again I can wash my hands in boiling water, so...  Wth, eh?  Never mind.  Later.