This is a picture of a tankless water heater. It is a Rinnai. It uses natural gas. There is a pressure relief valve and emergency gas shutoff valves installed on the unit.
Water Heater Expansion Tanks
The water heater expansion tank is installed on the water supply pipe to the water heater. Its purpose is to deal with thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater. If water pressure gets high enough it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and even the water heater.
Inspecting Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heating collectors capture and retain heat from the sun and transfer this heat to a liquid. There are several reasons to use solar energy.Energy independence, Environmental concern, and financial benefits are reasons to install a solar water heater. Generally these types of water heaters should be maintained by a solar heat professional.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous material that is mostly no longer in use. It use to be added to products to strengthen them as well as provide heat insulation and fire resistance. Studies have shown that breathing high levels of asbestos can lead to increased risk of lung cancer. There are many areas where asbestos was used, including: insulation around steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts, resilient floor tiles, soundproofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings, and as shingles or siding. If you discover asbestos in your home, there are two options, repair and removal. Completion of either of these two options should be done by a qualified professional.
Backflow Prevention
Backflow is the reversal of the normal and intended direction of water flow in a water system. Backflow is dangerous because it can spread contaminated water through a distribution system. If there is a cross-connection and either back pressure or back siphonage occurs then the potable water supply can be contaminated. The most common way to prevent this in residences is to use an Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker.HOT WATER TANK ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY
This hot water tank label indicates this tank was manufactured in September, 2003. It is 12 years old and appears by date and physical condition it is nearing the end of its useful life and consideration be given to replace this unit in the very near future.
The bottom of the tank is beginning to show signs of rust and decay. The drain valve has a hose attached to it but does not drain into any outlet drain.
The space is unconfined, but does have tools and equipment utilizing space beside it. These are moveable and do not appear to obstruct accessibility.
The unit does have an expansion tank assembled in the hanging down position and is secured by a copper clamp over the ¾ inch copper hot water pipe 2 floor joists over to the left of this tank.
The electrical wiring is exposed, loosely hanging and wrapped around the water pipes. This is a safety concerning and I recommend an electrician secure this wire with conduit.
The unit is wired through an Energy Smart diagnostic control devise and appears functional.
Venomous Pests: Inspectors Beware
During your inspections in basements especially be mindful of the known venomous pest in your area. Snakes and Spiders of this nature are known to inhabit in dark areas associated with basements. I have encountered snakes in a few basements although none were venomous, it was still a shock. Spiders can difficult to identify at times so take the time to learn as much as possible what to look for.
InterNACHI Water Heater Dating Chart
Keeping this chart available is a great practice when doing inspections of water heaters. Laid out as a chart gives all the important information you need to properly identify what kind of Water Heater you are inspecting. The video linked at the bottom can also be useful if needed.
Inspection and Writing Assignment
I performed a visual inspection of my friend’s rental renovation and observed a plethora of defects and installation issues. This is a Rheem electric water heater with a 40 gallon capacity. The other manufacturer information was ineligable due to the labels being painted over. I am suspect the paint is to hide charring marks on the duct tapped in place service cover, whichalso had pieces of paper sticking out around the cover edges. The wiring is rigged in on a couple of small wires pigtailed in, this should be 10ga. The TPR valve drain pipe terminates on top of the water heater. There is a water service shut-off, but no check valve or expansion tank visible. The unit has water stains all over it and is badly rusted all along the bottom, with water stains all around the unit on the tiled concrete floor. There is no visible floor drain or any other means to drain water from the area. This water heater has eminent dangers of fire, water and possible explosion hazards.
I recommended an immediate hiring of a qualified plumber and electrician to further evaluate and correct as needed.
Doyle Cline
Inspection and Writing Assignment
I performed a visual inspection of my friend’s rental renovation and observed a plethora of defects and installation issues. This is a Rheem electric water heater with a 40 gallon capacity. The other manufacturer information was ineligable due to the labels being painted over. I am suspect the paint is to hide charring marks on the duct tapped in place service cover, which also had pieces of paper sticking out around the cover edges. The wiring is rigged in with a couple of small wires pigtailed in, this should be 10ga. The TPR valve drain pipe terminates on top of the water heater. There is a water service shut-off, but no check valve or expansion tank visible. The unit has water stains all over it and is badly rusted all along the bottom, with water stains all around the unit on the tiled concrete floor. There is no visible floor drain or any other means to drain water from the area. This water heater has eminent dangers of fire, water and possible explosion hazards.
I recommended an immediate hiring of a qualified plumber to further evaluate and correct as needed.
Doyle Cline
This is an image of an electric water heater. It has a water shut off on the cold water side. The temperature pressure relief valve is located on top of the tank. The drain line from the tpr valve goes down the backside of the tank thru the wall to an out side drain with an air gap. The tank and plumbing appear to be in working condition.
Reading and Writing Assignment #1
Estimating the Lifespan of a Water Heater, by N. Gromicko, B. Fowler
A water heater is a necessary component of a modern family’s lifestyle. We need hot water to clean clothes, clean bodies, and wash dishes, just to name a few of the benefits. Having the adequate size to accommodate usage, having a unit of high quality construction, and is the unit being properly maintained, are all important factors to consider when estimating how long a water heater will last. Having the unit professionally installed is necessary to ensure proper operation as well.
It is important to maintain an optimally operating and safe water heater. A home owner must consider costs when evaluating whether to repair or replace.
Doyle Cline
Reading and Writing Assignment #2
Inspecting Solar Water-heaters
The article claims solar water-heaters are cost effective, and a green system. The application for business and residential use are widespread across the world. The system is elaborate and expensive to install initially. The long-term benefits economically and environmentally are well worth the investment due to the abundance of solar energy in comparison to fossil fuel and electricity as an energy source. Solar systems are to be installed by professional craftsmen as they are elaborate and in need of special training to do so properly.
The need to maintaining the solar water-heater system is highly important as is with all water heating systems.
Doyle Cline
7 year old, 40 gallon, natural gas water heater at paid inspection.
No combustion air supply is present in laundry area closet that water heater is located in. A proper combustion air supply is necessary or a Type “B” double walled vent pipe should be installed.
My first reading and writing assignment is on Aerogel. Aerogel is costly but it is becoming more affordable. It is lightweight and extremely high in surface area. Aerogel appears blue and feels like styrofoam. It can almost nullify the three methods of heat transfer. Aerogel is safe.
My second reading and writing assignment is on Anti-Scald Valves. ASV are also called tempering valves or mixing valves. Scalds account for 20 percent of all burns. Children and the elderly are more easily burned, due to thin skin. ASV help maintain water temperature at a safe level. Installation is usually inexpensive and simple. ASV are used to reduce water temperature fluctuations.
Hi Ben Ed Tennyson signing in
The Hot Water Heater was manufactured by GE on March 2013. The water heater is a FVIR design and was actually installed in July 2014.
The cold water supply line has a ball valve, with a flexible braided water line.
The flue is a single wall 3 inch, connected to a chimney constructed of a double walled flue, with a rain cap. The joints are sealed with a aluminum heat tape to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the laundry room, which is hosting the water heater.
The gas line is a rigid steel application, with a shut-off valve, that is above the drip leg of the gas line.
The water heater appears to be void of any leaks, at the upper water fittings, the TPR valve, the drain valve ( plastic ), and the body in general.
The inspection cover of the igniter was removed to view the condition of the burner unit and the site glass.
The temperature selection control knob was set at the normal position, allowing the unit to heat the water to a recommended 110 degrees F.
Recommend the plastic drain valve is replaced with a metal valve, at the first scheduled maintenance.
PLEASE NOTE; the laundry room is void of a floor drain. The floor drain is the furnace room, on the other side of the wall, separating the two rooms.
The Hot Water Heater was manufactured by GE on March 2013. The water heater is a 40,000 BTU, a FVIR design and was actually installed in July 2014.
The cold water supply line has a ball valve, with a flexible braided water line.
The flue is a single wall 3 inch, connected to a chimney constructed of a double walled flue, with a rain cap. The joints are sealed with a aluminum heat tape to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the laundry room, which is hosting the water heater.
The gas line is a rigid steel application, with a shut-off valve, that is above the drip leg of the gas line.
The water heater appears to be void of any leaks, at the upper water fittings, the TPR valve, the drain valve ( plastic ), and the body in general.
The inspection cover of the igniter was removed to view the condition of the burner unit and the site glass.
The temperature selection control knob was set at the normal position, allowing the unit to heat the water to a recommended 110 degrees F.
Recommend the plastic drain valve is replaced with a metal valve, at the first scheduled maintenance.
PLEASE NOTE; the laundry room is void of a floor drain. The floor drain is the furnace room, on the other side of the wall, separating the two rooms. The room is also void of a fresh air supply source for the combustion of the water heater. The room is 12x14x8 feet = 1344 cu. ft. The laundry room does have a awning vinyl style casement window, that does function properly.
This essay is meant to fulfill the inspection and writing requirement for the How To Inspect Water Heating Tanks.
This inspection is of a 220 volt 40 gallon GE water heater. It is 10 years old and is functioning properly. Some water was drained to check for sediment build up. Sacrificial rod was found to be in very good condition. Overall the unit is in very good condition. The only issue found was some missing insulation on the outgoing hot water pipes
To fulfill the reading and writing requirement for this course I first read Aging In Place which describes a senior citizens’ ability to live independently with any necessary help coming or being brought to them.Aging in place allows them to maintain their freedom and the quality of life they have become accustomed to. Some of the changes in a home that an inspector can suggest would be ramps, a side swing or wall mounted oven and a fold down shower seat. In reading Barbeque Safety I learned that over 500 house fires a year occur because of misuse or malfunction, that gas grills should be checked for leaks and that a charcoal grill used to close to an open door or window can allow venting of carbon monoxide gasses into the home posing a serious health risk.
Hi Ben Ed Tennyson is signing out on this course
This image shows the temperature and pressure relief valve extension has not been installed. An extension pipe should be approved for hot water, be at least 3/4’’ inside diameter and extend over the side of the hot water heater and continue down to within six inches of the floor.
This hot water heater is wrapped with an insulation blanket. A modern hot water heater is designed to be insulated well enough so that an insulation blanket is not necessary. Wrapping a hot water heater with an insulation blanket will void most warranties.
Inspecting Aluminum Wiring
In homes. home additions or homes re-wired from 1965 to 1973 single strand aluminum wire was sometimes used instead of copper.
After the test of time it was later found out there were problems with the connections.
The physical properties of aluminum are similar to, but different than copper.
These differences would cause the connections between the aluminum wire and fixture or outlet to fail.
There are methods to upgrade these connections but they are expensive.
Copper is the preferred choice for residential wiring but single strand aluminum may be used as long as the connections are designed for this material.
Anti Tip Brackets for Free Standing Ranges
Anti Tip brackets are installed to prevent the range from tipping forward should a heavy weight be placed on the open oven door.
After 1991 all ranges are required to be able to support a weight of 250 pounds placed on the open oven door without tipping.
To accomplish this manufactures supplied anti tip brackets with the range.
In many instances these brackets where not installed.
The home inspector should verify the installation of these brackets and report as a safety hazard if they are not present.
This home inspector has seen supposedly intelligent people stand on an open oven door to reach items from the upper cabinets.