How Do You Inspect a Hot Water Heater?

How Do You Inspect a Hot Water Heater?

Are you wondering about how a hot water heater is inspected? Well, to begin with, inspecting a hot water heater is a job that is best reserved for a qualified water heater technician and plumber. He or she will begin the process with a visual inspection. The professional will review whether there are signs of leaks on the unit. The relief valve will also be privy to inspection. The piping to and from could also be a problem, which is why they are part of the inspection process.

Do Home Inspectors Check Water Heaters

Apparently, the water heater checkup is an important part of what a certified home inspection will do. If you are hearing unusual noises from your water heater, it will be pertinent for you to get it thoroughly inspected sooner rather than later. If the home inspector smells something unpleasant, similar to rotten eggs, then the problem could be with the gas or sediment. When there are sediment clogs in your water heater unit, then the unit will work quite hard to counteract that pressure, resulting in large electricity bills. In such instances, a home inspector will recommend draining and flushing the unit.

Do Water Heaters Need to Be Serviced?

If you have a new water heater installation, you will be relieved to find that a new water heater installation will last between eight to twelve years, according to manufacturer stipulations. However, this estimate is dependent upon the amount of maintenance that you enlist for your current unit. For example, a simple three-step annual maintenance plan will extend the life of your water heater.

What are the Signs of a Failing Water Heater?

There are a few obvious signs that homeowners should be aware of when it comes to their failing water heater. Please review the following list to discover more.

  • You no longer have hot water flowing through your appliances.
  • If you hear rumbling or popping noises from your water heater unit.
  • If you have a leaking or faulty pressure relief valve.
  • If your tank is leaking water.
  • If the water coming out of your tap is cloudy.

If you have observed one or more of these problematic symptoms, it’s best to call a qualified water heater professional as soon as possible.

How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?

Water heater inspection and testing will often reveal the current condition of your water heater. As any water heater professional can attest, it is healthy for you to flush your water heater at least once a year. When you get your water heater flushed, you can prevent the potential problems that sediment can accumulate over time. Furthermore, you will see the quality of your water improve when you have your water heater flushed.

What is a Water Heater Inspection

If you are thinking about scheduling a water heater inspection, you may want to understand what it entails. A water heater inspection will include a number of safety checks. These checks include inspecting the water heater for fuel gas piping and checking the fuel gas piping for the accurate amount of pressure. The gas pressure regulator will need to be verified to ensure that it is within the gas pressure range on the appliance gas regulator.

Hot Water Heater Inspection 

A water heater professional plumber will be happy to perform your water heater inspection. As alluded to previously, your plumber will perform an initial visual inspection. He or she will look around the tank for signs of leaks and investigate the piping. Next, the tank will be flushed. This should be done once a year for optimal water quality. Furthermore, the anode rod will be reviewed. The anode rod is the water heater’s defense mechanism against rust and corrosion. The anode rod will prevent premature failure.

Hot Water Heater Inspection Checklist

The checklist for a hot water heater inspection will include a temperature and pressure relief valve check to make sure that it was installed at the correct location and of the proper type. If you have a gas-fired water heater, it will include flue-gas spillage detectors. If you have an oil fired device, it will include a fire-safety valve that shuts off fuel to the appliance in case of a fire.

water heater inspection

Water Heater Inspection Form

Before you purchase a home, it is essential for you to check over the features and appliances that are included. Ranging from the water heater to the plumbing system, to the gas and electrical connections, it is incredibly important for you to know exactly what you are getting into. A water heater inspection form is one of the ways for you and your plumber to be on the same page when it comes to inspections.

If you would like a water heater inspection in St Louis, MO, please reach out to our qualified plumbers today. You can easily get in touch with our friendly team with a quick phone call to 314-348-7503.