Inspectors should look for an etched label and / or rust at the top of a grounding rod. The lack of an etched label and the presence of rust may indicate that a grounding rod has been shortened. Shortened rods are a safety hazard and a code violation.
In this photo, you can see that the TPR valve is located within 6 inches from the top of the water heater, and that it will drain down to the floor. You can also see the floor below the valve is dry indicating there are no leaks from this component.
I read the Estimating the lifespan of a Water Heater article. In it I read the the amount of water used would decrease the lifespan of the water heater. This is attributed to the greater corrosive effect of introducing increased usage water to the tank to be heated. However this can be offset slightly buy purchasing a water heater with a porcelain lining.
Water heater anode rod or sacrificial anode is an important component part in water heating and has only one purpose; to protect the metal tank from corrosion.
Most hot water heaters are equipped with one or more anode rods and are made of different materials. Anode service depends on the water conductivity as the rod deteriorates over time. This is why it is necessary to maintain it, to keep the tank in operating condition. Depleted anode rod does not affect the water taste or color and the regular inspection and replacement can extend the life of the heater.
Under normal conditions, water heater anode rod will be consumed and completely gone in four to five years (depending on water chemistry and element quality) and the metal tank will start to corrode.
Water heater anode rod or sacrificial anode is an important component part in water heating and has only one purpose; to protect the metal tank from corrosion.
Most hot water heaters are equipped with one or more anode rods and are made of different materials. Anode service depends on the water conductivity as the rod deteriorates over time. This is why it is necessary to maintain it, to keep the tank in operating condition. Depleted anode rod does not affect the water taste or color and the regular inspection and replacement can extend the life of the heater.
Under normal conditions, water heater anode rod will be consumed and completely gone in four to five years (depending on water chemistry and element quality) and the metal tank will start to corrode.
the photo is of a RHEEM hi efficiency electric hotwater tank. as you can see there is a pressure release valve located at the top of the tank. This particular tank has a lifetime warranty and looks to be in average condition.
inspections of a homes hot water tank is a needs to be completed diligently, more so if it is a gas fire appliance. you have the mixture of fuel, electricity and potentially fire in a small area and the need to ensure that its operation is happening safely is needed
Water heater t and p relief valve outlet pipe reduced in diameter.
Located in the garage. Pipe of 1/2" inch of diameter was connected to t and P valve instead of 3/4 inch diameter of the outlet of the valve
Water heater t and p relief valve outlet pipe reduced in diameter.
Located in the garage. Pipe of 1/2" inch of diameter was connected to t and P valve instead of 3/4 inch diameter of the outlet of the valve
This water heater appears to be in good condition. It is a electric AO Smith water heater which is labeled as installed on 11/16/12. No corrosion or current leaks are present on the exterior. It is 50 gallons and the TPR valve is in good condition with a drain properly installed. It does not have a expansion tank installed.
Pressurized expansion tanks on a water heater is designed to accommodate water expansion as water is heated in a closed water distribution system. It should be installed on the cold water side of the water heater and is preferably installed hanging downwards or upwards. The tank should be pressurized to 40 psi and can handle maximum water storage at 150psi and 200 degrees.
When inspecting a homes water heater make sure you know the codes for the local area in which an inspection is taking place so you can then know what is specifically required per water heater in the area you are working. In California known for earthquakes you would want to pay special attention to the seismic straps as example.
when inspecting a water heater make sure to find the location of a TPI valve. This valve will allow the pressurized air to exit safely in case there was an incident where the pressure needed to release. If the TPI valve is not in place the tank can be shot like a missle in all directions as a result.
The hot water tank inspected was a natural gas water heater equipped with Flammable Vapour Ignition Resistant technology, or Flame Guard. At the time of inspection, the flue pipe was properly connected with a draft diverter, no water leaks, drip marks, or deposits noted. There was a proper drip leg, and T&P relief valve, and the gas shut-off (not visible) was located in the vicinity of the tank (just above). The T&P blow-off tube should be extended slightly to within 6" of the floor for proper safety.
All hot water tanks must be equipped with a Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve equipped with a discharge pipe taking the discharge water in the direction of gravity to a visible location within 6" of the floor. The maximum temperature is set at 210 degrees, and the maximum pressure at 150 PSI.
In this picture it’s apparent that the temperature pressure relief valve is missing a discharge tube. It is recommended that one should be connected or installed and that should be copper tubing or piping to reach six inches from the floor.
I studied and looked into gas sediments traps on gas heated water heaters. I learned that they need to be located after the gas cut off valve otherwise they are not effective or useful and need to have proper access.
On this inspection we see this electric water heater under the crawl space, and it is raised 6 inches may be so it does not touch the soil and get rusted out. we can see the water heater label which indicates the gallons ( 40 gl.) and the date 11/2004 which is very helpful. It does not have an expansion tank may be because the jurisdiction does not require it or when the house was built was not a code. The TPR valve seems rusty and no thread. the drain valve is in good condition.
All water heaters must be certified by a third party, approved agency, such as ANSI and UL. The certification mark indicates that the heater has been tested and has been determined to perform safely when installed and operated properly in accordance with the manufacturers recommendation. If the water heater is electric or oil, it should conform to UL standards. If it is natural gas, it should conform to ANSI standards. The labeling on the hot water tank could list the manufacturer, the tank size, the serial number, model number, fuel type, BTU ratings, and proper clearances required for the tank.
