New Construction
Defect - Unsafe
Water Heater Installation
The
water heater in the photo above was
taken during during of a
home inspection of a recently-completed home (just under one
year old). It shows a life safety concern that got past
the builder, plumber, code inspector, and the owner prior to
moving in...
The
brass fitting on the side of the water heater is a safety device called a Temperature-
Pressure
Relief Valve. As its name implies, the purpose of
the TPR valve is to discharge scalding water or steam from the
water heater tank in the event of an unsafe buildup of
pressure or heat inside the tank. (The
idea is similar to a pressure cooker used in the kitchen, the
valve "spits" to prevent an explosion).
Therefore,
to prevent the accidental scalding of occupants, the
Temperature- Pressure Relief Valve is required to have a
copper discharge pipe attached to the valve fitting that is
then piped to the outside or to an indirect waste receptor
(emergency spill pan on the floor).
With
this water heater's exposed discharge, a person standing
near this water heater 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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