Water Heater Comment

[NJAPRAZE]

Per FHA/4000.1 - "The appraiser must examine the water heater to ensure that it has a temperature and pressure-relief valve with piping to safely divert escaping steam or hot water."

How do you comment/respond?

I am not a health or safety expert and typically note in my report that the water heater appeared typical and functioning and/or without any observed deficiencies [unless one is readily apparent]; as supporitng evidence, I include a copy of the h/w htr in my photo addendum. Have never in +15 yrs had an issue until now...

Lender's agent/AMC is saying this language is insufficient; that appraiser needs to specifically state that the h/w htr has a temp & pressure-relief valve, piping etc. to SAFELY divert escaping steam. Seems like an unncessary liability...

How do you address this in your reports?

 

[Tom D]

every hot water heater has a pressure valve near the top. for whatever reason they don't come with a $5 pvc pipe to attach to that release. most plumbers are putting them on when they install them because of building codes. but i see enough of them without that pipe. if you take pictures of hot water heaters it is obvious when the pipe is missing.
it is a very simple concept to explain to the owner, if needed.

 

[shrubberyvaluation]

Per FHA/4000.1 - "The appraiser must examine the water heater to ensure that it has a temperature and pressure-relief valve with piping to safely divert escaping steam or hot water."

How do you comment/respond?

I am not a health or safety expert and typically note in my report that the water heater appeared typical and functioning and/or without any observed deficiencies [unless one is readily apparent]; as supporitng evidence, I include a copy of the h/w htr in my photo addendum. Have never in +15 yrs had an issue until now...

Lender's agent/AMC is saying this language is insufficient; that appraiser needs to specifically state that the h/w htr has a temp & pressure-relief valve, piping etc. to SAFELY divert escaping steam. Seems like an unncessary liability...

How do you address this in your reports?

Tell them to hire an expert if they feel its not sufficient. The appraiser has examined the water heater and provided a picture.

 

[Fernando]

Few weeks ago I had someone put a new water heater in my rental. It costs about $970 just for a 40 gallon heater 9 year warranty not including labor.
Prices have gone up from few years ago.
My old water heater was installed in 1998. It just suddenly leaked.
I hope my new water heater will last another 24 years.

 

[Tom D]

your lender is getting analism. however, looking at your hw heater photo it should be obvious it is, or isn't, all there. say yes and refer to attached photo.
i got the new water on demand how water heater. looks like a box, but no presure or relief valve. not cheap, but a must for your home maybe get a book on plumbing and read about it. a hot water heater is not rocket science

 

[Overimprovement]

Tell them to hire an expert if they feel its not sufficient. The appraiser has examined the water heater and provided a picture.

Is there an icon for "tell them to pound sand?"

We do not need to, in writing, address EVERY item in the HUD manual. Picture is sufficient--unnecessary words can tend to come back and bite us.

If making a comment in report, I wouldn't use 'examine', but rather 'view'. Beyond that, how do we know if it is sufficient? Are we supposed to test it?! Try to twist the pipe off to ensure it is on firmly?

Some reviewers should not be.

I have been asked to comment on whether my "open patio" was covered or not. Clear picture, clearly labeled open patio in sketch. Sorry, that's all you're getting...The lines in the sand have to be drawn somewhere I suppose...

 

[Fernando]

You would think FHA standards are higher than Fannie conventional loans and would eventually follow FHA.
Then FHA doesn't require ANSI so Fannie is dealing with nonissue which should not have been implemented.

 

[Dublin ohio]

for whatever reason they don't come with a $5 pvc pipe to attach to that release.

Because each installation can be different.

 

[sputnam]

TPR valves are important safety features designed to keep the pressure from rupturing the tank if the parts that control the temperature fail. They should be tested every year... but, the test is simple. Lift the little handle.... water comes out. Release the handle... water stops. Then it's fine. If it doesn't stop, it needs to be replaced. The piping is there to direct the hot water toward the floor (or in another safe direction) in the event that the TPR value does its job and saves the tank from rupturing. I think most building codes indicate that it should be piped to a drain or outside.

As for the reviewer/AMC rep who is insisting that you add commentary, nonsense. The requirement is that you must EXAMINE the water heater and observe whether it has a piped TPR or not. If it does you are fine and is covered in the part of the report where you state that you inspected per FHA guidlines and it meets the requirements. If it doesn't have a piped TPR, that is a safety issue that you should point out in your report and call for repair or inspection.

 

[Tru Red]

You are right. Do not start down the slippery slope of assuming the role of a home inspector. If you do it for even one report, it is possible you are saying you are trainned as such. The liability is very real. If something were ever to happen due to that water heater......all it would take is one attorney to challenge your qualifications. If you are a qualified home inspector and/or plumbing expert, by all means....make a comment.