The water heater konked out-- while I was taking a shower and my hair was full of shampoo. Then, I had to condition it! Old habits die hard, even if it felt like ice cubes were coming out of the shower head. There's nothing worse than taking a freezing shower in the middle of winter. Now I understood what the pioneers went through!
The company was called as soon as I thawed out. They arrived the next day and quickly determined the entire unit needed to be replaced, which was done the following day. The plumbers worked quickly and efficiently since I explained that I was feeling really gamey, although I worried they already figured that out on their own.
In no time at all, I was able to take a HOT shower (what a luxury), wash clothes in hot water and use the dishwasher. I felt human again, all thanks to Appleton Campbell.