Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default 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?

    Similar Threads:
    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    OREP Insurance

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

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

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Baton Rouge, La.
    Posts
    91

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

    I would say outdated, beyond expected life.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

    James Bohac

  4. #4
    David Bell's Avatar
    David Bell Guest

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

    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.


  5. #5
    David Bell's Avatar
    David Bell Guest

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

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


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

    Quote Originally Posted by David Bell View Post
    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.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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.

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  9. #9
    Terry Neyedli's Avatar
    Terry Neyedli Guest

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC
    Posts
    1,074

    Default Re: Old copper water heater questions.

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

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •