Make sure whoever you end up calling checks the pressure relief valve! Finding a decent contractor around here is tough since everyone is booked out for weeks. I'm taking notes on these recommendations for myself.

I actually used to take those jobs when I was younger and needed the cash. You learn pretty quick that the callback is never worth it, dealing with an angry client when it all cracks again. Watching a few of those fast jobs fall apart changed my whole view. Now losing the bid feels better than knowing I left a problem in someone's wall.

My brother's car last winter had a weird issue where it wouldn't start on cold mornings. Turns out the battery terminals were corroded. I spent hours cleaning them, but it still acted up. Ever have one of those problems that seems simple but hides something bigger? Finally found a loose wire in the ignition system. Fixed that and it ran smooth.

Thea, I'd aim for equal heat not hotter at the base.