Natural gas LP gas electric oil solar water heating systems, hints from a home inspector
Natural gas LP gas electric oil solar water heating systems: natural gas and liquid petroleum gas water heaters perform much the same except that the flame in an
LPG water heater may be more vigorous than in a natural gas fired heater. Gas type water heaters are usually the 40 to 50 gallon size. Generally, 40 gallons will serve 4 to 6 people while the 50 gallon size will serve 5 to 7 or more people. Generally about 10 gallons per person is ample. Some water heaters have a very high recovery rate and these will serve more people than their tank size would seem to indicate. Drain a few gallons of water out of the drain valve at least every 6 months. If no rust or other deposits come out after about 3 gallons of water have been drained, you probably have little rust in the tank. If the drain valve drips, screw a hose bib cap onto the end of the drain. This may not cure the problem, but it's worth a try. Some types will continue to leak inside the case. Feel inside, below the drain valve, after a few days, for wet insulation. If the insulation is wet the drain valve may need to be removed and replaced. Rust and debris on top of, or around, the burner may indicate a rusty tank exterior or a rusty flue or flue baffle. Keep any rust cleaned off the burners. Check vents for rust and holes every three months. Keep all flammables at least 24 inches from the heater and combustibles at least 12 inches away. If the gas burning water heater is placed within a garage or where flammables may be stored its burner should be 18 to 24 inches above the floor. Most water heaters are raised above the floor on a stand built by the homeowner or by the homeowner's handyman or plumber, or by the original builder of the structure. Newer regulations and manufacturers specifications require that these stands be built with certain precautions. Many building officials and municipal building inspectors do not verify whether the specifications have been adhered to. Many are covered with drywall, plywood, or plaster and the construction technique is not visible to the inspector. Be aware that the inspector will not report on improperly built water heater stands unless the improprieties are obvious and will not determine if the stand meets any required specifications. Drip or catch pans placed under the water heater are recommended by manufacturers and are required by many
municipality- lies, but is rarely enforced. The inspector will not comment on the lack of a catch pan. A catch pan placed under the water heater with a drain line connected and piped to the building exterior would obviously be a good precautionary action against water heater leaks. Contact the inspector for additional information regarding the stand
and/or catch pan if you desire.
Air-fuel ratio adjustments needed
Insufficient water heater combustion air insufficient combustion
Water heater blanket loose water heater should be protected from Pressure relief valve discharge not Pressure relief discharge line should be sloped downward
Water heater pressure-temperature relief valve leaks
Reversed pipes on water heater
The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2007 1-800-553-5660. TWI is a fantastic company to deal with!
