A heating, ventilation
In addition to breaks in the line itself, loose or deteriorating fittings on a gas line, such as one leading to a thermostat control box, can lead to leaks. A licensed plumber needs to make the fix and to check the other fittings
Temperature and pressure valves often have a test lever on top that should be tested monthly. If the valve fails when tested, a licensed plumber should be called in to replace the valve immediately.
If the exterior valve on a temperature and pressure line from a water heater is faulty, water will tend to pool around the foundation just where the line exits the structure. A licensed plumber should be called in to repair or replace the valve as soon as possible to avoid foundation damage.
Gas lines connected to water heaters should be made only of approved gas line materials. Copper is not one of them; gas can cause a copper line to deteriorate from the inside out. In such a case, a qualified company or contractor should be contacted to replace the line with a more appropriate material.
A properly installed drip pan on a water heater will prevent costly water damage to ceilings, walls, floors and carpets by safely disposing water in case the tank ruptures. Any water heater located above a finished ceiling, such as on a second floor, requires a drip pan.
If a water heater is equipped with two heating elements, it is important to make sure that both elements are working in order to avoid slower water-heating times, higher utility costs and the eventual replacement of both units.
In order to safely vent pressurized steam, the temperature and pressure line in a house must be configured to make a 90-degree turn downward as it exits a house. Any other configuration is unsafe and should be corrected by a licensed plumber.
In order to safely handle pressurized steam, temperature and pressure lines should be 3/4-inch copper pipe all the way through. Any narrower pipe could be dangerous in the event of a water heater malfunction.
Temperature and Pressure lines should be 3/4" copper pipes. The elbow section shown here steps down to 1/2". The concern here is impeding the flow of pressurized steam in the event of a water heater malfunction. This line should be replaced with 3/4" copper piping. * A licensed plumber should be consulted to correct this condition.
Without proper ventilation in a water-heater closet, moisture can damage the walls and ceiling around it. A solution is to install a large vent above and a smaller vent below the water heater.
The heating element in an electric hot water heater eventually will need replacement. While a handy homeowner can do the job, a qualified repair person should be called in if there are any questions about handling the high-amperage element.
If a hot water heater is supported by a wooden base, the base eventually may show signs of wear. If this occurs, repairs should be made immediately before the base collapses.
Wright Realtors, Stockton Ca • Phone: 209-951-7521 • Return to Home Page