Domestic Water (System) and Hot Water Heater (Unit) Deficiencies Part 1

Part 1

In this May edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I will be discussing the deficiencies associated with water heaters and domestic water systems. As there are so many deficiencies associated with these inspectable items, I am dividing this into a 2-part series.

• Domestic Water deficiencies are recorded under the Inspectable Area: Systems, and includes:
  •  Water conditioners, water heaters, transfer and circulating pumps, strainers, boilers, connecting piping, fittings, valves and supports.
  • Hose bibs that service a single common area OR multiple units
  • A water tank located in a single common area (i.e. kitchen or laundry)
  •  This does NOT include:
    • The portion of the water supply that connects to the heating and cooling system
    • Delivery points of the system such as sink and faucets in units or common areas
    • Hose bib that is associated with an individual unit
• Water heater deficiencies are recorded only under the Inspectable Area: Units.

**With the exception of General Rust/Corrosion, the deficiencies are nearly identical**

General Rust/Corrosion on Heater Chimney (Domestic Water System)

Definition: The water heater chimney shows evidence of flaking, discoloration, pitting, or crevices that may create holes that could allow toxic gases to leak from the chimney.

• I underlined “that could allow toxic gases to leak” because for this deficiency to be recorded, the rust/corrosion will need to be located in the room the boiler or tank is in – not above the roofline!
• Above the roofline would be a different deficiency: Exterior – Damaged Vents (Level 1)
•  This deficiency should be recorded when there is not a hole present…yet. If a hole is present, that will be a separate deficiency (Misaligned/Damaged Ventilation System) and an automatic EH&S (Exigent Health & Safety)
• The “chimney” is any part of the ventilation system. From the draft hood to the vent duct.
•  Primary cause is backdrafting

General Rust/Corrosion (Unit: Water Heater)

Definition: The equipment or associated piping/ducting shows evidence of flaking, oxidation, discoloration, pitting or crevices.
Level 1: You see superficial surface rust
Level 2: You see significant formations of metal oxides, flaking, discoloration, or a pit or crevice
Level 3: Because of this condition, the equipment or piping does not function

• Level 3’s are a very rare deficiency because most inspectors are not qualified to determine the reason the equipment doesn’t function. If the water heater doesn’t function, there is an Inoperable Unit/Components deficiency.
• Note that this definition includes ANY part of the water heater – not just the chimney like the deficiency under Domestic Water Systems.
• The primary reason for metal oxidation is something called galvanic corrosion. If 2 dissimilar metals are connected (like galvanized metal to copper) without a dielectric union, electrolysis occurs causing the corrosion!

Leaking Central Water Supply (Domestic Water System) and
Leaking Valves/Tanks/Pipes (Unit: Water Heater)

Definition: You see water leaking from any water system component, including valve flanges, stems, bodies, hose bibs, or any domestic water tank or its pipe or pipe connections.

• This definition is now identical for both areas because in 2017, HUD allowed an individual unit hose bib to be recorded under the unit itself instead of Domestic Water Systems.
• Important Note! In considering a Domestic Water System leak, inspectors are instructed to consider the following before recording a deficiency:
  •  Some pumps and valves are designed to leak as a normal function, particularly in fire pumps, water pressure pumps, and large circulating pumps.
•  If water is leaking on or near electrical equipment, a separate deficiency (Health & Safety: Electrical Hazards) will be recorded.

When I inspect water heater/boiler rooms, the first thing I do is look at the floor.  I’m looking for a spot indicating a leak from somewhere – it could be a pipe, the pressure relief valve, under the tank, etc.

In this case (to the left) the leak is at the expansion tank directly above the spot on the floor.