Water Heater

Water Heater Inspection - drainage observations

Report Description:

There is not a catch pan and/or drain line installed at the water heater. Consider installing a catch pan and/or drain line and extending it to the exterior of the home. This will help prevent damage to the drywall and personal belongings if the water heater starts leaking. In areas where running a drain to the exterior can be difficult, a leak detector can be a good option. 

What does it mean?

This statement is advising that there is no system in place to catch and drain water in case of a leak from the water heater. It suggests installing a catch pan beneath the water heater and a drain line connected to it, which should extend outside the home. This setup is recommended to prevent potential damage to the surrounding area, such as drywall and personal belongings, in case the water heater leaks. Essentially, it's a precautionary measure to mitigate the impact of any water heater malfunction or leakage.

What is the most common solution?

To address the issue of not having a catch pan and drain line installed at the water heater, you can follow these steps:

Gather Necessary Materials: You'll need a catch pan appropriate for the size of your water heater, a drain line, fittings, and possibly some tools such as a wrench or screwdriver.

Select a Location for the Catch Pan: Place the catch pan beneath the water heater, ensuring it's large enough to catch any potential leaks. Ideally, position it near the bottom of the water heater.

Install the Catch Pan: Carefully set the catch pan in place, making sure it's level and stable.

Connect the Drain Line: Install a drain line to the catch pan. This line should be sloped downward to ensure proper drainage. Secure the line using appropriate fittings and fasteners.

Extend the Drain Line: Extend the drain line to the exterior of your home. You may need to drill a hole through the wall to allow the drain line to pass through.

Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure the drain line is positioned to allow water to flow away from your home without causing any further damage.

Test the System: Once everything is installed, test the system by pouring some water into the catch pan. Ensure that the water flows through the drain line and exits the exterior of your home without any issues.

Monitor Regularly: Periodically check the catch pan and drain line to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning properly. This maintenance will help prevent any potential water damage in the future.

If you're not comfortable with these steps, it's advisable to seek assistance from a qualified plumber to ensure the installation is done correctly and safely.

Water Heater Inspection - water too hot

Report Description:

The water temperature is observed to be too hot. The temperature is recommended to be set around 120° F to prevent scalding, extend water heater life, and improve energy efficiency and conservation.

What does it mean?

This means that the water temperature from the faucet or shower was higher than what is considered safe or comfortable. It could pose a risk of scalding or burning, especially for sensitive skin or young children.

What is the most common solution?

The solution would be to adjust the water heater thermostat to lower the temperature to a safer level. This can typically be done by accessing the water heater unit and adjusting the temperature settings. If unsure how to do this safely, it's recommended to consult the water heater manual or contact a professional plumber for assistance.