Top Items to Focus On
Hot water tanks are not always in an obvious place, ask to view them
Photos
Take a photo of each unit
Inspection Prep
None needed
From a loss control perspective, water tanks have very specific hazards. Some of them will be covered by the insurance policy and are more important to the insurance company than others.
Chimney venting leaks and Carbon Monoxide hazards are life threatening and are always a critical item to check. Faulty Pressure relief valves can allow pressure to build up in an uncontrolled manner in the hot water tank. We NEVER test these valves. However, if the valve shows signs of wear or corrosion, we would make a recommendation. The lack of a down pipe is a serious matter. If the valve releases, boiling steam and water will stream out at face level. The down pipe directs the stream to the floor.
There are several types of hot water tanks that have been used in residential and commercial settings over the years, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some common types of hot water tanks and their pros and cons:
Storage Tank Water Heaters:
These are the most common type of hot water heaters, consisting of an insulated tank that stores hot water until it is needed. Units can be electric, gas or oil fired.
Pros: Affordable and widely available. Can supply large amounts of hot water for simultaneous use.
Cons: Can be less energy-efficient as standby heat losses can occur. Limited hot water supply, and may take some time to heat the water.
Tankless Water Heaters:
These water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank.
Pros: Energy-efficient, as there are no standby heat losses. Provides an endless supply of hot water.
Cons: Can be more expensive to purchase and install. May require additional upgrades to the electrical or gas systems.
Heat Pump Water Heaters:
These water heaters use electricity to move heat from the surrounding air to heat the water.
Pros: Highly energy-efficient, providing significant cost savings on energy bills.
Cons: More expensive than traditional storage tank water heaters, and may not work efficiently in colder environments.
Solar Water Heaters:
These water heaters use solar panels to collect energy from the sun to heat the water.
Pros: Highly energy-efficient, providing significant cost savings on energy bills. Environmentally friendly.
Cons: More expensive than traditional storage tank water heaters, and may not work efficiently in cloudy or cold environments.
Indirect Water Heaters:
These water heaters use a heat exchanger to transfer heat from a boiler or furnace to the water in the storage tank.
Pros: Highly efficient and cost-effective. Provides an endless supply of hot water.
Cons: Requires a separate boiler or furnace, making it more expensive and complicated to install.
Rusted or Decayed
Tanks can rust with age and exposure. Rusty tanks can leak and cause a flooding situation.
Recommendation: The hot water tank at (specify area) was noted to be rusted and decayed. The unit should be replaced to reduce the property hazard.
Cover(s) On Electric Hot Water Tank Missing
Exposed or uncovered electricity and water do not mix. The potential for electrocution exists when covers are not in place.
Recommendation: The cover panel on the electric water tank at (specify area) was noted to be missing and should be replaced to reduce the property hazard.
Pressure relief valve is corroded or damaged
Potential exists for the corroded or damaged valve to burst and scald someone or cause a flooding issue.
Recommendation: The damaged or corroded pressure relief valve should be replaced to reduce the hazard.
Relief Discharge Pipe Missing
Without a down spout scalding water has the potential to damage someone at face level. With the down pipe the water would be on the floor.
Recommendation: The hot water tank at (specify area) was noted to not have a down pipe installed on the pressure relief valve. The down pipe should be installed to reduce the risk of bodily injury due to scalding.
Not Properly Vented
Hot water tanks are a favorite DIY project. For that reason, you will see all kinds of inventive ways to vent, or not vent, the unit. In the case where the venting to the chimney is missing or defective, a rec must be made due to the life threatening hazard involved.
Recommendation: The vent from the hot water tank to the chimney was noted to be improperly connected. The vent pipe should be re-installed or replaced to reduce the liability hazard.
Water Leaks
Water under a tank indicates a need for repair or replacement.
Recommendation: There was a water leak noted (specify area) which should be repaired immediately to reduce the property hazard.
Storage Adjacent to Hot Water Tank
Storage of any items on or near the hot water tank can create a hazard and should be removed.
Recommendation: There should be provided a minimum of 36″ clearance from all storage or combustibles near the water heater located at(specify area) to reduce the hazard.