Hi Forums–first time poster here. I’m an inspector in training–I recently had the opportunity to mock inspect a home and came across a hot water heater whose data plate states its equipped for natural gas only, but the house runs on propane. I’m wondering:
How big of a deal is this? (I’m inclined to think it’s a big deal)
Is this very, somewhat, or not at all common?
A friend noted that there are cases in which you can have this setup–if the water heater is a convertible model AND it has been properly converted. (Googling seems to confirm this as well). Given this:
3a. Is there a way an inspector would be able to tell that the heater is a convertible model–would it explicitly state this somewhere on the dataplate, or is there a way to look this up?
3b. Is there a way an inspector would be able to tell it was properly converted?
Attaching some pictures for reference. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. If this is a dumb question, feel free to pile on
Because the boiler plate states it should only be used with natural gas, I would call this out. You have no knowledge if a LP conversion has been made.
What’s interesting is that there is a lot conflicting information if you research it on the interweb. Some say WH’s can’t be converted while others say it can be. I agree that there may be manufactures/models that can’t be converted, however there also those that can be. It’s a matter of changing out the jets which are smaller in diameter for LP. The data tag using the word “equipped for Natural gas only” indicates that system is only set up for that, and no propane conversion was supplied.
As others have stated, based on the data tag alone and not being able to determine if it was converted, it should be written up. On a side note, if you have ever seen propane flames coming out of an NG appliance that hasn’t been converted, you would know it…after your eyebrows were singed off.
The air to fuel ratio for propane is over twice as much air compared to natural gas. Natural gas combustion by volume is 9.7 parts air to 1 part natural gas. Propane combustion ratio by volume is 23.9 parts air to 1 part propane. Obviously this requires two different burners (different orifice and air intake). Write it up, as mentioned a converted unit should have a sticker to indicate that.
Will it even work at all if the orifice is sized for gas and it’s on propane? Seems like getting more than 2X the potency of fuel would lead to all kinds of fouling or over-firing… or something.
My thinking too Bob. Could be a convertible model, and should have been labeled if it was, but lazy installation is common. Plus with other issues, it may be time to replace this one and do it right,
That would mean that it is set up for natural gas… only. Like, don’t hook it up to to LP (without converting the gas valve and burner orifice).
The gas valve is converted and the air/fuel is adjusted.
Not really. Replies are more confused than the sticker that people can not interpret.
If it doesn’t blow up, like the stickers say?!
If you turn one on that was not converted, you will know, without a doubt!
As David Wigger pointed out, there should be a sticker on it. But, if the homeowner decides to change their own water heater, they should know what type of gas it’s uses. Or they should not be doing it. If a plumber can’t tell, he is not a plumber…
answers to questions:
Big, somewhat, yes, yes.
Should be a label indicating conversion. If flames are much bigger than normal it likely was not properly converted properly and conversely if it is propane and not properly converted to natural gas.
Look for signs of over firing, scorching but given the tiny site glass and sealed combustion verifying will be more difficult than an older model with open combustion chamber. Bottom line report what you see and call for a plumber to investigate and confirm. Even if everything is perfect, it still needs a label to confirm proper conversion.
The water heater fuel source was propane. The manufacturer label indicates this unit is a natural gas appliance. Though a conversion kit for propane may be present, there were no conversion labels nor was I provided any documentation. If not properly converted, this poses a significant safety hazard and may also damage the equipment. Recommend further evaluation and immediate corrections as needed by a qualified plumbing contractor. You may also consider asking the seller to disclose any conversion documentation.
Won’t just be bigger, the flame will be orange and will blow out black smoke like an old diesel truck.
There is no mistaking a non-converted appliance.
If you report what you see, then you should be talking about the sticker information rather than a “possibility” it was converted or not.
