An air gap in a drainage system is the unobstructed vertical distance of free space between the outlet of the waste
pipe and the flood-level rim of the receptacle into which the waste pipe is discharging. As an example in a
commercial restaurant, the air gap would be between the drainpipe of a salad bar and the floor sink or tub drain.
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There are deep wells (more than 25 feet deep) and shallow wells (25 feet or less). A typical well pump can pull up
about 25 feet of water. If the well is deeper than 25 feet, the pump will have to be installed at the bottom of the
well to push the water up. Pumps are better at pushing than pulling.
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Inspection of private water sources, such as a well, is beyond the scope of a home inspection.
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Check for physical damage to the tank, particularly rust and corrosion on the bottom of the tank. Check for water
marks on the floor of the tank. Check for a leaking TPR valve and discharge pipe is installed. The covers at the
electric heating elements should not be disturbed. Corrosion can be found where the water pipes are connected to the
top of the tank. The electricity or the fuel may be shut off. There could be scorching at the burner cover area. The
heat rollout shield should be in place. The draft hood and vent connector are often loosely attached. All tanks
should be accessible with at least 24 inches of working space around them.
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A water heater tank should be installed inside a pan in locations in a dwelling where a leak from the tank could
cause damage to the structure or property. The pan is intended to catch water leaks from the tank or associated
connections, or condensate from the tank. The pan should be made of galvanized steel or other material approved for
that use. Pre-fabricated aluminum and plastic pans are common and widely used. Aluminum and plastic pans may not be
allowed by every authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or code official because they are not made of galvanized steel,
and some tank manufacturers require the use of a metal pan only.
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Hot water boilers should be provided with expansion tanks. There are two types of expansion tanks designated for use
with a residential boiler system. A non-pressurized tank is simply a cylinder filled with air set at atmosphere
pressure. A pressurized tank is a sealed cylinder divided by a flexible diaphragm. An expansion tank provides space
for the water to expand as it is heated, and it keeps the water pressure within the normal operating range while the
boiler is working. Thank you www.nachi.org
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The following are 13 requirements for a discharge pipe serving a TPR valve:
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Temperature and pressure-relief (TPR) valves are safety devices installed on water heating appliances, such as
boilers and domestic water supply heaters. TPRs are designed to automatically release water in the event that
pressure or temperature in the water tank exceeds safe levels.
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Tankless coils are indirect water heaters that take their heat from the steam or hot water boiler that is used to
heat the house. A cold-water supply pipe extends into the hottest part of the boiler water. The water in the copper
tube is kept hot by the boiler water. When there is demand for hot water, water flows through the tube through the
hot boiler water, and water is delivered to the fixture.
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