The situation
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
A tank water heater in a garage of an older house starts leaking at the base. The owner closes the cold supply valve and the gas valve to the heater and calls a licensed plumber.
- The plumber confirms the tank itself has failed and needs replacement.
- The cold and hot connections are short galvanized nipples, heavily corroded.
- The existing strapping is loose and incomplete.
- The vent pipe is old and has a section that does not fit tightly.
The new heater is installed with new connections, proper seismic strapping and corrected venting, and the owner gets a written record of what was replaced.
Items found and how they were handled
| Item | Issue | Handled by |
|---|---|---|
| Tank | Leaking at the base | Replaced |
| Galvanized nipples | Corroded, restricting flow | Replaced with new connections |
| Seismic strapping | Loose and incomplete | Installed properly, as California requires |
| Vent pipe | Poorly fitted section | Corrected |
| Permit | Water heater replacement | Owner checked with the City of Fullerton |
What the owner checked afterward
- Strapping secure at top and bottom of the tank
- Relief valve discharge piped to a safe location
- No water at the base or in the pan
- Hot water pressure improved at fixtures
- Written record of parts and work kept with house papers
Questions for your next water heater
- What are the connections at my heater made of?
- Is the current strapping complete?
- Does the vent fit tightly all the way?
- Is my gas line sized for any change in heater type?
Common questions
Is this a real job?
No. It is a hypothetical example written to show what a water heater swap in an older home can involve.
Why replace the nipples if they are not leaking?
Corroded galvanized nipples can restrict flow and fail soon after, so they are commonly replaced along with the heater.
What should I shut off if my heater leaks?
Close the cold water valve to the heater and, for a gas unit, the gas valve to the appliance if you can do so safely. If you smell gas, leave instead.
General information for Downtown Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.