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What to Look for in regards to those Fascinating Appliances, Water Heaters.

By
Home Inspector with Perfection Inspection, Inc.

Sexy, stylish, fashionable or even all that interesting your water heater is not. (unless you have one of those tankless systems, but that another blog)  Although much maligned your water heater is an important part of modern living and it really makes indoor plumbing enjoyable.
There are a few things that I look for and that are important when I am inspecting homes in Salem, Oregon and the water heaters therein, on of the first things is:


Where is it? 

If it is in the garage there are a few rules that need to be followed for safe operation.  If it is gas, the flame source needs to be at least 18″ off the ground.  This condition will apply to gas units th
at are more than 4 years old because we have now gone to a sealed burning unit that does not have an exposed flame.  If you can get to the pilot light so can combustible gasses.  Combustible gasses in garages tend to hug the ground so if the flame is sealed or 18″ off the ground it will help prevent those combustible gasses from igniting.

I will discuss some other important items in my next posts on water heaters…….



Jim Allhiser President/Inspector
http://SalemOregonHomeInspections.com
503.508.4321         jallhiser@perfectioninspectioninc.com

“Always on the cutting edge”

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Comments (5)

Trevor Elliott
RE/MAX Integrity - Salem, OR

Anything new in my mid 70's home is exciting and stylish. Good notes.

Jan 06, 2010 05:20 AM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

We don't often see water heaters in garage out here in CT. Or seismic straps for that matter.

Jan 06, 2010 11:39 AM
Reuben Saltzman
Structure Tech Home Inspections - Minneapolis, MN
Delivering the Unbiased Truth.

Ditto what James said, but more like 'never' see them.  Our garages are too cold.

Jan 06, 2010 12:50 PM
Jim Allhiser
Perfection Inspection, Inc. - Salem, OR
Salem, Oregon Home Inspector

Huh,  where do you guys stick them?  In closets?  no, probably basements?

Jan 07, 2010 03:36 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Down here any ignition source needs to be elevated 18 inches if the water heater is in the garage, including electric.

Jan 15, 2010 05:03 PM