Thread: Old copper water heater questions.

At least I think it's copper. Did they also come in brass?

Is the Tee at the top a Pressure Relief Valve?
If so, if it blows off, does it just shoot steam and boiling H2O out the top?
Then what, replace the valve?
Could a modern TPRV be installed in the side of the tank? There's a plug there behind the duct tape.

Any 80 yr old plumbers on board?

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For some reason when I look at the photos I just want to say Thar she blows!

I would say outdated, beyond expected life. Any signs of leaks? If not say so and recommend monitoring!

That tank is worth more in scrap than as an appliance, the high tech bubble wrap insulation does nothing to help this system. Besides you need an air gap just to get R-6 out of that stuff.

It does look like an indirect of sorts,,is it hooked up to a steam boiler?

Originally Posted by David Bell

It does look like an indirect of sorts,,is it hooked up to a steam boiler?

No. it is a simple electric water heater. There's an element in there somewhere. House is 55 years young.

I recommended they put in a new unit. They like the idea of a tank that won't rot. I recommended they have it inspected by a plumber, lack of a TPRV, difficult to control water temp.

Originally Posted by John Kogel

No. it is a simple electric water heater. There's an element in there somewhere.

Back in the mid-1960s and earlier they sold elements which wrapped around the tank and would heat the water from outside the tank by heating the tank, which then heated the water. I have not seen them since about that time frame.

Yeppers, looks like you have an old copper water heater, like those shown here: http://www.askcodeman.com/movies/Wat...nger_Lurks.wmv

If you can get that old copper water heater ... I sure would love to put it on display in my garage.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Yeppers, looks like you have an old copper water heater, like those shown here: http://www.askcodeman.com/movies/Wat...nger_Lurks.wmv

Man, that was a long video.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Back in the mid-1960s and earlier they sold elements which wrapped around the tank and would heat the water from outside the tank by heating the tank, which then heated the water. I have not seen them since about that time frame.

Yeppers, looks like you have an old copper water heater, like those shown here: http://www.askcodeman.com/movies/Wat...nger_Lurks.wmv

If you can get that old copper water heater ... I sure would love to put it on display in my garage.

Jerry:
That is a real gem of a find!
All home inspectors should view this.
"Film at 11:00 with questions to follow!"

And I mean every inspector. It holds more credence now then ever.

T.Neyedli CHI
www.alphahomeinspections.ca

Need an updated version. I was waiting to see Jerry as a child in that flick.