Is this water heater install legal?

aoliver

I recently got my mother-in-law's water heater replaced and it was damaged during some flooding a few days later. Not wanting to spend another $900 on a new water heater and install I sent pictures to a friend (who mostly does HVAC work but also a ton of home improvement) who pointed out some issues with the install. Since there was a permit fee involved (Massachusetts) but no inspection that I know of do I have any kind of argument as far as a reinstall if I pay for the new water heater? Please see attached pics.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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beenthere

The install quality does look a bit low.

Not sure what codes Mass enforces.
But as far as a trade on labor to install a new water heater. Doubtful. As a water heater being under water doesn't require a full change out.

aoliver

Can you please elaborate? When I called GE thinking I could just re-light it cause it was only 5-7inches of water they said that it would be dangerous to even try. Do you think it would be possible for a trained person to take a look and see if it's safe to light?

Thanks for the reply!

Allen

Scuba_Dave

Why would you think you get a free install because this one was flooded ?
The installer is not responsible for your flood
My last house had a gas water heater that was a couple inches under water at one point
The water receded & I relit it

aoliver

Sorry, I wasn't quite clear. A friend seems to think the install was all wrong and possibly against code. I'm trying to verify this before/if I contact the install company. If the install is wrong and needs to be redone, I would ask that they redo the install with a replacement water heater that I would purchase and pickup. Basically, re-accomplish the labor but I would purchase a new water heater.

However, if it is the case that it's NOT dangerous to relight I might consider trying that. My wife and mother-in-law are against this however so I'd have to convince them.

Thanks for the reply, your incident where you were able to relight is making me more confident that it may be an option.

beenthere

The gas valve MUST be replaced. Once under water it can not be used again.
No harm was done to the tank though. So no reason to replace it.

The copper pipe touching the flue is generally not allowed. But not worth tearing out the water heater to fix.

aoliver

Please excuse my ignorance (I'm an IT guy with limited home DIY experience other than drywall and flooring) but is the gas valve you're referring to the piece about a foot off the ground in the front with the gas control and starter on it (outside of the actual tank) or is it lower down and inside? The water didn't get high enough to touch the piece with the control/starter on it although I wouldn't be opposed to replacing it just to be safe if that's a DIY option.

Thanks again for the guidance,

Allen

beenthere

Yes. That is the gas valve.

If water got into the burner. It should be pulled and cleaned of debrie and double checked that all water is out of it.

Your water heater install may pass inspection in your area. Each area is slightly different on how they enforce code.

jbfan

Around here you would need an expansion tank, but not sure what your area requires.
Why pay an inspection fee and not have it inspected?

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brokenknee

Gas valve would look something like this.



If that was not under water not sure way it would need to be replaced.

Expansion tanks are not required everywhere. They are not a code requirement in MN. As far as the install goes, other than already pointed out about the water line hitting the flue (if it is) sometimes pictures can be deceiving. They have a shut off on the supply line.

What did your friend say was not up to code? Was it with the gas line?

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