It is not Rocket Science- Or is it? Hot Water Heaters and TPR valves.
It is not Rocket Science- Or is it? Hot Water Heaters and TPR valves Wenatchee Home Inspection
The TPR (Temperature, Pressure. Relief) is most underestimated safety device in the home. This little device keeps your hot water heater from becoming a rocket.
Water that is heated creates an enormous amount of pressure. Remember steam was a main source of energy in the early industrial age. If that pressure does not have a place to go then your water heater will become a rocket and can blast through several floors of the home.
Here was a water heater I found on a recent home inspection. The TPR Valve is installed upside down.Because of the way the TRP drain tube was installed it now is a trap. This is now a dangerous condition from a simple mistake. You may not reduce the size of the TPR pipe so the use of these flex connection are not appropriate.
Worse than this was this home was just inspected by another home inspector. No mention of this was made to the homeowner. This is a very easy correction.
Because these devices operate safely day in, day out without much problems we really do not think about them. Don’t let this record of safety lull you into forgetting about the explosive potential of the water heater.
Here is an article from the Seattle PI-Powerful explosion blows out several storefronts. Check out the photo of the building.
Here is an article on a water heater in a school that resulted in 7 deaths- Water Heater Explodes in Elementary School
Here is a short video on water heaters being launched. Water Heater Blast
Always remember a good home inspection will not only provide you a good assessment of your investment but should also point out safety issues in the home.
“Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.”
Will Durant
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
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www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
