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Aside from the obvious problems here (excessive
corrosion, loose draft hood, deteriorated vent pipe), there is a
critical problem: there is no TPR valve on this water heater. A TPR
valve (temperature - pressure relief valve) is designed to prevent the
water heater from exploding if the temperature or pressure exceeds safe
levels.
Typically, temperatures exceeding 210 degrees Fahrenheit or pressures exceeding 150 psi (lbs/square inch) will cause the TPR valve to open, preventing explosion of the water heater. [WATTS #100XL] Exploding water heaters can cause extensive damage to a home. There are documented cases of water heaters exploding, and going up through two floors and a roof, landing in the yard of a neighbor. If you are asleep in a bed above a water heater without a TPR valve, you will be in the way if it explodes. Check your own water heater today, to make sure that a TPR valve is installed. Look for a fitting that has a metal tag attached beneath a lever, and an open-ended pipe attached that terminates within 6 inches of the floor. |
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This water heater is
located in a heated basement. The insulating blanket that has been
added [arrow left] is not really necessary in this particular home, and
blocks warning decals and data plates. It will also hamper detection of
deterioration to the upper tank jacket from corrosion on the top half
of the tank.
The real issue here though [circle center] is a short TPR valve pipe. Note that it also has corrosion on it. This pipe terminates about 12 inches above the floor, which presents a scald-burn hazard should the TPR valve ever release. The TPR pipe should terminate not more than 6 inches above the floor, and the pipe must be unthreaded. In manufactured homes or mobile homes, this pipe may terminate below the belly membrane. Such water heaters are also often enclosed in a closet-type compartment that is screwed or nailed shut. Bad news if the water heater malfunctions. It pays to know these things before it becomes a problem! |