New Construction
Defect - Unsafe
Water Heater Installation
The
water heater in the photo above was
taken during a final "punch list" inspection of a
home under construction in Melbourne, Florida. However,
defects such as this can be found in just about anywhere poor
workmanship is practiced.
One
can only wonder why this brand new water heater was installed
on top of unsecured masonry blocks. Most likely, the
insufficient "nook" allotted for the appliance was
too small with the molding trim -- thus the solution of
raising the unit above the molding.
Unfortunately,
this makeshift "solution" will cause problems for
the new homeowner down the line. Without a safety spill
pan mounted under the water heater, the unit will leak water
onto the garage floor and cause water damage to the
surrounding walls (and storage).
In
addition, upon closer look (click image to enlarge), we can
see that the base of the water heater tank was damaged
(dented) during installation. Impact damage to water
heater tanks can cause internal damage or rupture to the
tank's liner.
Finally,
there is a life safety concern as well. Notice the
vertical copper pipe extending into the photo from above. This
pipe is a safety discharge pipe connected to the Temperature-
Pressure Relief Valve that is designed to discharge scalding
water or steam from the unit in the event of an unsafe buildup
of pressure or heat inside the tank. As a result, this copper
discharge pipe is supposed to be piped to the outside or to an
indirect waste receptor (emergency spill pan) to prevent
accidental scalding of occupants or damage to property.
With
this water heater's exposed discharge pipe located so closet
to the door into the home, a person passing through this door
could be injured should the water heater discharge scalding
steam or water. This is a dangerous
condition.
 |
Always
arrange for at least one (1) construction progress inspection
by a privately-hired home inspector before accepting your new
home from your local builder. Click
Here to Learn More. |
The digital photo above was taken by a
Guardian® home inspector during a pre-purchase home
inspection.
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