Water Heater TPR Safety

[inspectorwill]

Just wanted to post a reminder about the importance of TPR extensions and HI safety during inspections. Two days ago I was setting up my laptop on the kitchen counter preparing for an inspection. The purchaser, my client, was excitedly walking around taking a closer look at her future home. She opened a closet door in a laundry room adjacent to the kitchen and said, "Gee, that's a funny noise." I heard a rumbling and slight hissing coming from her direction. I looked around the corner and saw her standing in front of the water heater with the extensionless TPR about 3' from her face. I ran over, slammed the closet door and nearly dragged her to the next room. The TPR discharged with a loud hiss and rumbling. Steam and water were pouring out from the under the door closet door. The 2 month old water heater was purchased from and installed by one the large home improvement chains. Be careful out there.

[Tim Maxwell]

I've never seen one release. Was this an electric or gas water heater?

Could you tell what the problem was, like was the burner stuck in the on position or something?

[inspectorwill]

It was a gas water heater and I am not sure what caused it to release. I shut off the gas and water and did not investigate it further.

[JeremyDP]

Way to go! [:-angel] Glad no one was injured!