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  1. #1
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    Default 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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  2. #2
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Water heater is dented, does not affect operation.


  3. #3
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    I would concur with Trent.

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


  4. #4
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Trent Tarter View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
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  5. #5
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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.


  6. #6
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Garry Sorrells View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
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  7. #7
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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?


  8. #8
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
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  9. #9
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    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.


  10. #10
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    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.

    - - - Updated - - -

    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.


  11. #11
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    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

    1A Home Inspections - Providing Tulsa OK home inspections for Tulsa and surrounding counties in Oklahoma.

  12. #12
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Don Clendaniel View Post
    ... 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.

    Jerry Peck
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  13. #13
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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.


  14. #14
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Don Clendaniel View Post
    ... worked as designed ...
    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    It did? "As designed"? It was designed to be dented and have an area of crushed insulation?....................
    Quote Originally Posted by Garry Sorrells View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
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  15. #15
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    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.

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  16. #16
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG View Post
    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:

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
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  17. #17
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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.

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  18. #18
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET View Post
    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 - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET View Post
    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 - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET View Post
    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>


  19. #19
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

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


  20. #20
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET View Post
    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.


  21. #21
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG View Post
    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?

    If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

  22. #22
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    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.

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  23. #23
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    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?


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  24. #24
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    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".

    If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

  25. #25
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by Lon Henderson View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Lon Henderson View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Lon Henderson View Post
    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.

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  26. #26
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    Default Re: DENTED WATER HEATER

    Quote Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG View Post
    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.

    If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

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