| The water heating system, being a combination | | | | As always with plumbing equipment, check around |
| of plumbing and fuel connections, deserves | | | | for signs of leaks, but keep in mind that not all |
| considerable attention from the homeowner and | | | | water around the heater indicates a leak. When |
| any prospective home buyer. An improperly | | | | incoming water is very cold, condensation may |
| installed or malfunctioning water heater can burst | | | | form on the outside of the tank. It can also form |
| or even explode, causing water damage to a | | | | on the inside casing of the tank and cause sizzling |
| house or injury to the occupants. With gas and oil | | | | noises when a gas or oil burner comes on. This |
| water heaters, defective equipment, improper | | | | condition is not hazardous and is no reason for |
| installation, or inadequate maintenance can result in | | | | alarm, usually. However, if the water droplets |
| fire damage and carbon monoxide poisoning. | | | | don't disappear when the heater is operating or if |
| The life expectancy of a water heater is typically | | | | the burner does not stop sizzling, then the tank is |
| eight to twelve years and, here in our area, it will | | | | probably leaking and should be replaced. |
| typically be fueled by gas or electric. Further north | | | | All water heaters are required to have a |
| of us, oil is commonly used to heat water as well | | | | temperature pressure release valve installed to |
| as indoor temperature. | | | | release any excessive pressure that is built up |
| Unfortunately, a water heater often functions | | | | inside the tank. Do not block, plug or otherwise |
| right up to the minute of failure without sending | | | | impede the function of this valve, for it is |
| out any warning signs of problems to come. Your | | | | designed to release pressure to avoid explosion. |
| plumbing contractor or, if you have placed a | | | | The valve should be pointed to the floor and have |
| purchase contract on a home, your home | | | | piping extending from it to approximately six |
| inspector are trained to seek and recognize the | | | | inches from the floor to avoid scalding. If the |
| telltale signs that indicate failure is just around the | | | | valve is leaking, plugged or does not release when |
| corner. | | | | the handle is maneuvered, it should be replaced. |
| Here are a few "tricks of the trade" that you can | | | | The venting system, for a gas heater, must be |
| apply yourself in your home, today. | | | | fully intact and functioning to ensure that |
| Check for corrosion and rust on the tank, | | | | poisonous gases are released outside the home. |
| especially near seams and at joint connections | | | | By no means does this list include everything that |
| with water pipes. If accessible, remove the cover | | | | is and should be checked on a water heating |
| plate from a gas heater tank. Inspect the burner, | | | | system but, hopefully, it will help you to know |
| the bottom of the tank, and surrounding areas. | | | | more about your system than you knew before |
| Rust inside a tank indicates that it will soon need | | | | and protect you from harm. |
| replacing. | | | | When deciding to purchase or remodel a home, |
| Soot inside the tank means that the burner is | | | | your home inspector will provide you with a |
| malfunctioning and requires IMMEDIATE service. | | | | detailed written report on the existing water |
| The presence of soot strongly indicates that | | | | heating system in addition to the others that are |
| carbon monoxide is probably not being vented | | | | inspected. |
| properly. | | | | |