Plumbing Details

There are many plumbers in Nanaimo that can install a water heater, but do they do it correctly, and safely? This Blog will talk about water heater safety and common mistakes.

Yesterday I went to replace a standard water heater. When I was cutting it out, I noticed that the Temperature and Pressure relief valve (T&P) was jammed up against a 2×4. To the untrained, not a big deal. but in reality, it’s a huge deal.

The T&P is a safety device responsible for relieving excess pressure (Over 150psi). It’s also discharges steam/water when the temperature reaches over 210 degrees. The basic reasoning for this is to keep the tank within a safe limit. Without this device, your tank a could implode or explode, causing great damage. When I installed the new tank I made sure to install it so the T&P valve could open easily if needed.

Another thing I noticed was that the previous installer had the tank spun around so the drain at the bottom was near the back where it was not accessible. To the homeowner, it’s no big issue. But to the next installer, your setting them up for a challenge. I couldn’t get a hose on it to be able to drain the tank, luckily the piping was PEX, o i was able to spin it around. These little details might not mean much on their own, but together they separate the pros from the beginners.

Along with making sure the drain valve is accessible, is making sure the electrical elements or gas valve is accessible. Sometimes these parts fail and only they need to be replaced. If they’re easy to access, then the serviceman doesn’t have to drain the whole tank and spin it around to service the tank, which saves time and money for the homeowner.

These small details come with experience, and Norms plumbing and heating has that experience. We have been operating for 50 years right here in Nanaimo, and you don’t get there without the small details. If you ever need a new water heater, you can count on us. And remember, every water heater we install we donate directly to the Nanaimo Ladysmith School Foundation, which provides lunches for children in need.

To read more about our Tanks for lunch program, visit: https://www.normsmobile.ca/about/community-involvement/