Water Heater
Water heaters are inspected for location, elevation and proper piping. If a water heater is installed in a garage, it must be elevated 18 inches off the floor. The reason for this is that if gasoline fumes are present, the base of the heater will not ignite the fumes and cause a fire.
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve and Pipe:
If a water heater accidently got too hot or built up too much pressure, there is a valve called a TPRV (Temperature Pressure Relief Valve). This presure would build up and open this valve, discharging it outside. The pipe from this valve has to be routed in a downward fashion to prevent corrosion of the valve and failure. The pipe also has to be routed outside and downward so someone wouldn't get accidentally burned in case of discharge.
This picture shows the temperature pressure relief valve pip that is looped and routed upward. This is an incorrect installation.
"Hard Wired" is a term used when an electric water heater is installed without a plug and outlet or some way to disconnect the electrity when working on the water heater.
"No Wire Clamp" on the appliance cord.
This clamp is required so that the cord is not in contact with the sharp metal edge of the cover plate.
"Drain Pans" are always recommended under water heaters to capture possible water leaks and drain outside of the house.
"Water Pressure" is tested to the house. 80 psi (pounds per square inch) or less is recommended for the house. Higher water pressure can damage pipes or faucet fixtures. A water pressure regulator can be installed if the pressure is over 80 psi.
Age of Water Heaters:
Typically a water heater can last anywhere between 8 and 15 years, sometimes longer. The older they get the more energy inefficient they become. Gas water heaters start to show their age with scorch marks at the base of the unit. This is from hard water sediment that collects at the base and acts like insulation that blocks the heat transfer to the water and the extra heat travels up the sides of the tank.
There is an anode rod inside the tank that breaks down over the years, when it is degraded then the hard water buildup process is accelerated.
Time for a new water heater?