Thread: DENTED WATER HEATER

GUYS--2014 WATER HEATER WITH BIG DENT BELOW THE A.O.SMITH LABEL--how would you write it up or would you not--it worked ok--thanks-CVF

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Water heater is dented, does not affect operation.

I would concur with Trent.

I would note it rather than dismiss it, just so the client knows you did not miss it.

Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

Water heater is dented, does not affect operation.

It does affect the operation of the water heater.

The water heater is a heavy gauge steel pressure tank which is encased in insulation, around that insulation is a thin sheet metal covering - while the "operation" (heating) of the tank is not affected by the dent, the "operation" (efficiency) of the tank is affected by the crushed in and compressed insulation.

Depends on how you define "operation" - heating only, or entire usability and efficiency of it.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

It does affect the operation of the water heater.

The water heater is a heavy gauge steel pressure tank which is encased in insulation, around that insulation is a thin sheet metal covering - while the "operation" (heating) of the tank is not affected by the dent, the "operation" (efficiency) of the tank is affected by the crushed in and compressed insulation.

Depends on how you define "operation" - heating only, or entire usability and efficiency of it.

Jerry, How about calculating the loss of efficiency caused by the dent/compressed insulation for us. I came up with 0.0035% loss of insulation value to use in calculating the effect of the insulation in the overall efficiency of the unit.

Originally Posted by Garry Sorrells

Jerry, How about calculating the loss of efficiency caused by the dent/compressed insulation for us. I came up with 0.0035% loss of insulation value to use in calculating the effect of the insulation in the overall efficiency of the unit.

Sure, no problem.

The outer housing is dented in, this compresses the insulation, compressed insulation is LESS EFFECTIVE than noncompressed insulation of the same type - LESS EFFECTIVE INSULATION does not the same operation as was intended.

The calculated answer, to one decimal point, is LESS EFFECTIVE.0.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Sure, no problem.

The outer housing is dented in, this compresses the insulation, compressed insulation is LESS EFFECTIVE than noncompressed insulation of the same type - LESS EFFECTIVE INSULATION does not the same operation as was intended.

The calculated answer, to one decimal point, is LESS EFFECTIVE.0.

So, would you recommend replacement then? How would you write this up?

Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann

So, would you recommend replacement then? How would you write this up?

I would definitely include it in the report as the water heater being dented, and that dents such as that may be typical of the water heater may likely have been dropped some time prior to installation.

Could it affect the warranty of the water heater - sure. The way to find out would be to call the manufacturer and ask them. THAT may be of a concern ... no longer covered by warranty could be a big deal.

Kind of like a builder installing 14 year old pizza ovens ... from the builders own house ... not a good sign.

I agree about reporting it, and telling client it may affect warranty.

I'm not sure I agree a dented water heater is anything like a builder installing 14 years old appliances though. But, its your opinion, and you are entitled to it.

Noted dent in water heater, worked as designed at time of inspection.

Anything beyond that is speculation as to efficiency, warranty, premature failure, being dropped....call what you see.

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Noted dent in water heater, worked as designed at time of inspection.

Anything beyond that is speculation as to efficiency, warranty, premature failure, being dropped....call what you see.

Yeah, sometimes they get dropped when being installed. Most of the time I just note it and move on to more serious things. You know, like no weep holes over lintels

Originally Posted by Don Clendaniel

... worked as designed at time of inspection.

It did? "As designed"? It was designed to be dented and have an area of crushed insulation?

Maybe ' ... but it still heated water ... ' as that is not saying much - put the tank out in the sun and it will heat water in the tank.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

It did? "As designed"? It was designed to be dented and have an area of crushed insulation?...............................

Like a 5 mph bumper that is sacrificed to save the tank.

Originally Posted by Don Clendaniel

... worked as designed ...

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

It did? "As designed"? It was designed to be dented and have an area of crushed insulation?....................

Originally Posted by Garry Sorrells

Like a 5 mph bumper that is sacrificed to save the tank.

The 5 mph bumper was DESIGNED to be sacrificed ... the outer shell of a water is not DESIGNED for such purpose ... THAT is the difference ... ESPECIALLY ... when stating "as designed" ... surely you understand the "as designed" statement ...

... and don't call you Shirley ... I know.

No mention of the TPR discharge tube?

Being an NG WH makes this a probable concern IMO.
Not only for the vessel but for the heat exchanger.

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

No mention of the TPR discharge tube?

Being an NG WH makes this a probable concern IMO.
Not only for the vessel but for the heat exchanger.

At least I am not the only one who has concerns raised about it - I think that sometimes the obvious escapes many:

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

The way to find out would be to call the manufacturer and ask them.

Call the manufacturer, ask them, tell them you have a photo and will send the photo to them ... *we* can go on discussing the finer points of 'yeah, maybe, but, okay, maybe not' forever - CALL THE MANUFACTURER - THEY are the ones to tell you what THEY think, and what THEY think is what matters.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

At least I am not the only one who has concerns raised about it - I think that sometimes the obvious escapes many:



Call the manufacturer, ask them, tell them you have a photo and will send the photo to them ... *we* can go on discussing the finer points of 'yeah, maybe, but, okay, maybe not' forever - CALL THE MANUFACTURER - THEY are the ones to tell you what THEY think, and what THEY think is what matters.

Although some may agree, while others not, I recall someone stated, "great minds think alike."

Best, Robert.

Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET

GUYS--2014 WATER HEATER WITH BIG DENT BELOW THE A.O.SMITH LABEL--how would you write it up or would you not--it worked ok--thanks-CVF

I'd be more concerned with the black pipe being supported by the csst.

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Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET

GUYS--2014 WATER HEATER WITH BIG DENT BELOW THE A.O.SMITH LABEL--how would you write it up or would you not--it worked ok--thanks-CVF

I'd be more concerned with the black pipe being supported by the csst.

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET

GUYS--2014 WATER HEATER WITH BIG DENT BELOW THE A.O.SMITH LABEL--how would you write it up or would you not--it worked ok--thanks-CVF

<br>
I'd be more concerned with the black pipe being supported by the csst.<br>
<br>

BLACK PIPE IS NOT SUPPORTED BY CSST--I DON'T SEE ANY CSST

Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET

BLACK PIPE IS NOT SUPPORTED BY CSST--I DON'T SEE ANY CSST

I'm bad the flex connectors. The point is that is a long piece of pipe to have floating in the air hanging by the fittings at the top most likely. Very easy to be broken.

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

No mention of the TPR discharge tube?

Being an NG WH makes this a probable concern IMO.
Not only for the vessel but for the heat exchanger.

The discharge appears to be CPVC. What concern do you see?

Morning Lon.
Hope you are in good health and spirits today.

1: Discharge clearance.
2: Obstructed TPRV DISCHARGE PIPE opening.


The TPRV leg is atop the FLOOR drain grid.
1: Clearance 1" gap, air space.
2: Obstructed opening. The floor drain grid is directly under the TPRV discharge pipe opening. The pipe sits atop the floor drain grid.

Like more issues but I have my hands full at the moment.

I do not mean to go off thread but, what is the device protruding from the slab, between the WH and HVAC unit? Radon device?

Nice job with the photo.

Since I've been teaching home inspection to students from all over the country and Canada (and other countries), I've learned how differently "international" code is interpreted and applied around the country and the world. This could be another one of those differences. The TPR discharge depicted in the photo would be approved by any Colorado AHJ, that I've ever encountered, everyday of the week.

In your follow up post, I think your question is about the identity of the AAV. Around here, they're generically called "Studors".

Originally Posted by Lon Henderson

Nice job with the photo.

You are very kind to say so. Most of my reporting style I handcrafted.
Much thanks. Truly.

Lon, I have 3 x 27" screens on my desk. I use 2 to render reports.
For image edits I can copy, zoom, paste, republish, add illustrations, and publish all edits easily. Hard on one screen, or at least it is for me.

The third screen is used when clients are in my office. This way I can drag information and illusions in front of them while the report remains open in the background.

Originally Posted by Lon Henderson

Since I've been teaching home inspection to students from all over the country and Canada (and other countries), I've learned how differently "international" code is interpreted and applied around the country and the world. This could be another one of those differences. The TPR discharge depicted in the photo would be approved by any Colorado AHJ, that I've ever encountered, everyday of the week.

It should not be approved. AHJ should know better. They are the example to follow.
It would take minutes for a tradesperson or technician to cut away any material from the grid allowing a free stream to flow. Bloody senseless of them IMO.

I did not know you taught. My hat goes off to you. Bravo, Lon!
I sure hope the students recognise the talent.
Keep up the good work.

Originally Posted by Lon Henderson

In your follow up post, I think your question is about the identity of the AAV. Around here, they're generically called "Studors".

I thought it was an AVV, but had to ask.
Why so late in the sanitary system? Any reference material would be greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

I thought it was an AVV, but had to ask.
Why so late in the sanitary system? Any reference material would be greatly appreciated.

It looks like they are trying to get a plumbing vent in close to the rough-in for a basement bath.