Is that water heater plugged in? I always recommend water heaters be hardwired by using MC cable hardwired into a junction box or disconnect box.
Reading & Writing Assignment How to Inspect Water Heater Tanks
- Inter-NACHI Water Heater Dating Chart
Excellent article that combines a wealth of information all into one easy to read chart. I find it important to have this information available to reference when completing a report for a customer. Overall very helpful and user friendly chart.
- Gromicko on Home Inspection Brochures
Again another excellent article to assist with business development. The examples do inspire ideas to better market your business and the layout of the article was straight forward. As the article says " you only get one shot to make a first impression".
This hot water tanks id heated as a separate zone from a forced hot water boiler. The TPR valve drain is termination point is greater than 6" from the floor. Correction and further evaluation by a plumber is recommended.
Read/Write Assignment
Anti-Scald Valves
Anti-Scald Valves, or mixing valves mix cold water with the hot water. Water that is 160 degrees F can cause scalding in about 0.5 seconds --> 1/2 second. young children are more easily scalded due to their thin skin. The valve helps reduce the risk of scalding by keeping the water at a safe temperature.
Water Heater Expansion Tanks
Water volume expands when it gets hot, and contracts when it gets cold. An expansion tank safely accommodates these fluctuations. The tanks should be located near and above the hot water heater. It can be mounted vertically or horizontally. If mounted horizontally, it should be supported. The tank should be inspected for signs of corrosion, leakage, location, and proper mounting.
Thanks for posting the article about water heater dating chart. As I am training to be an inspector, this information will be very valuable to me too.
Hot water heater provided hot water which was received at the tap on day of inspection. Mor-Flo brand electric 40 gallon water heater observed in poor condition. Rust and water staining was noted at base of water heater. No TPR valve extension was noted. Water heater age was reference from serial number as 26 years old (c. 1989) which is well beyond its 10-12 year expected useful lifespan. In this condition water heater may be leaking and may fail at any time. Recommend having a qualified plumber repair as necessary.
For the required reading assignment for this course I chose to read “Abrasive blasting for Mold Remediation” and “FHA Loan Basics.”
In “Abrasive Blasting for Mold Remediation” I learned about the tools and techniques used to remove mold from interiors. The most common media used in abrasive blasting for mold remediation are baking soda and dry ice. The article states that baking soda has a pH near neutral. I would argue that it is actually basic at a pH of 8.3 where 7.0 is neutral. Remember those baking soda and vinegar volcanoes we made in science class? They are based on adding acids(vinegar) and bases(baking soda) together. Nonetheless, an informative read.
In “FHA loan Basics” I learned about the origins of the FHA which was news to me. FHA loans are common for my clients as their inspector. After reading this I understand of FHA loans to be of mutual benefit of both lenders and borrowers. It allows folks who may otherwise not be able to afford a house some options. FHA loans allow the lenders to market to folks they otherwise couldn’t or were too risky by giving them some insurance.
This is a 50 gallon electric water heater. The unit is 7 years old. Upon inspection I noted that the T&P temperature and pressure, relief valve had not been extended and terminated to the water heater pan or to the outside. Noted that the main power supply is not shielded by the proper conduit. Also noted the stand that the water heater sits on has been modified and does not elevate the water heater to the required 18" height per local code.
It’s plugged in. That is considered a permissible disconnect electrical connection. Very common in apartments and condominiums, at least here in Tennessee.
I read the article about aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring is in my home. I must say I have some concerns now about some electrical work I did. Aluminum wiring has a higher resistance level which I knew that. But I didn’t know that aluminum is more mailable than copper in that it continues to move after the pressure of say making a connection to a switch. This would result in a bad connection increasing amp draw minimally failure or worse case scenario fire. I have troubleshot electrical problems before and this could make for a difficult to find failure.
During the inspection on my own water heater I was disappointed to find the TPR discharge pipe has been plumbed directly into the wall and then, who knows where. They did a beautiful job and even included a flange at the entrance to the wall. This was plumbed in a place behind the heater where no one could look without getting on a ladder and purposfully looking for the pipe. Even further, the water heater is located inside my garage here in central Florida so that if the TPR valve had blown for either temperature or pressure reasons the water would just show on a concrete floor to alert me of the situation and not ruin a thing. What was that plumber thinking?
So, at this moment, as far as I know, that TPR valve could have opened and not reset fully and I am still leaking water into a drain somewhere and I would never even know it.
Now I have a weekend project to re-plumb that drain pipe.
The article Water Heater Dating Chart is a good resource to be able to determine the age of many different brands of water heaters. The article Water Heater Expansion Tanks gives information on how the tanks work and where they should be located.
Hi,
This is a water heater installation , it is installed in a garage . The tank was installed in 2009. As you can see the TPR valve discharge line does not go to the floor ( this would be noted ). There is no expansion tank installed ( this would be noted also).
Joe Catania
JRC Home Services
Palm Bay, Fl.
Hi,
The topics that I am writing about for this course is Hot water recirculating systems and Solar hot water systems. I have installed Hot Water recirc systems in many houses as it will save money in water usage, because it will make hot water available to the fixtures almost instantly. I feel that they should be installed in most houses that the plumbing is spread out thou-out the house. I am familiar with solar water heating and find that it is a great way to save energy , as it can provide almost all of the hot water if properly installed and maintained.
Joe Catania
JRC Home Services
Palm Bay Fl.
this is a 30 galons electric heater with a partial obstructed accses.
the hot water line is insulated with a shot of vale in the cold line
Image attached is of a Rinnai R85 propane fed tankless water heater. The unit is installed on the exterior of the building with sufficient ventilation and distance from the soffit. No defects noted.
Burglar Resistant homes:
In the SWFL area there are plenty of sub areas where the average home owner should be concerned with break-ins. As the article discusses there are many ways to prevent and or eliminate the possibilities for burglaries. Taking special precautions near highlighted areas such as pet doors, exterior doors and lighting could assist in this undertaking. All in all you’ll never be able to guarantee 100% no burglaries but with a little attention to detail you can highly prevent them.
Carpeted Bathrooms:
It may be more comfortable to have carpet in the bathrooms due to the soft nature, warmth and prevention for slipping hazards but there are down sides. Some of those down sides are primarily due to moisture concerns. Any water or condensation build up can cause premature moisture issue’s with in the carpet and or pad and lead to further issue’s such as mold and or fungus.
This water heater showed signs of a previous leak as evidenced by the corrosion at the base. The water heater also had items stored on top of it which is not advisable.
