Hidden water heater

[Joan McNew]

I recently looked at a 1940s house with the water heater enclosed under the kitchen countertop beside the stove. The only way the water heater could be viewed would have been by moving the stove. I doubt the unit has ever been replaced and does not have a pressure relief valve. How would you FHA veterans handle this one? Many thanks, in advance!

 

[Mr Rex]

Reveal what you did and didn't do(or observe) and let the DEU decide if its a problem. Many if not most manufactured homes have the water heater hidden behind a panel that requires tools to access. FWIW, none of the "countertop" type water heaters comon in the 40s-60s have the connections or T&P visible without removing panels etc.

 

[Wayne Tomlinson]

How do you know it does not have a pressure relief valve. It could be on the back.

Those used to be common. Many homes were small, no basement, and they were space savers. I would take a picture, state what you actually know about the water heater and move on.

I doubt that you can support any adjustment can you?

If there actually no pressure valve, one can be added. Let the UW make that call.

Wayne Tomlinson

 

[RSW]

I guess I would have to CB4 for an inspection of the water heater or call the lender and reschedule when you could access the water heater just like the attic or the crawlspace. I'm not sure which one I would do. I have to think about that some more.