What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Water Heaters — What We Inspect (and What We Don’t)

Water heaters are one of those systems that can quietly fail over time—until one day you’ve got cold showers and a garage full of water. That’s why I always take a careful look. I’m not here to drain tanks or diagnose burner valves—but I am here to make sure your water heater is safe, functional, and up to the task of daily life.

Types of Water Heaters I See (and How I Inspect Them)

Gas tank-style water heaters – Most common. I look at venting, gas supply, TPR valve, and visible signs of rust, scorching, or leaks.
Electric tank-style units – No gas line or flue. I verify electrical connections, look for scorching, and confirm hot water at fixtures.
Tankless (on-demand) units – Usually wall-mounted. I look for installation quality, confirm function by testing hot water, and check for visible errors or leaks.

I also note location (garage, closet, attic), physical protection (drip pans, seismic straps), and label data for age and manufacturer recall checks.

What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not

✅ I’m looking for: safe installation, TPR discharge line, rust/corrosion, scorch marks, moisture or leaks, unstrapped units, and confirmed hot water from fixtures.
❌ I’m not looking to: open access panels, flush tanks, test burner or element function, or determine hot water recovery rate. Those are HVAC or plumbing tasks.

How I Use RecallChek on Your Water Heater

Every time I inspect a home, I photograph the model and serial number of the water heater and submit it to our RecallChek system. This cross-checks the unit against federal safety recall databases—and not just today. If a recall is issued next year, you’ll be notified. If you replace your water heater down the line, you can enter the new unit to stay protected.

Common Issues I See

Missing or improperly installed TPR valve drain line – A major safety hazard.
Scorch marks or soot around burner access – Often indicates combustion or ventilation problems.
No thermal expansion tank (where required by code) – I document it but don’t require one unless it's in local scope.
Leaking or rusting tank bottom – Time for replacement. That leak’s not getting better.

FAQs: What to Expect From a Water Heater Inspection

Do you test if the water heater is working?

Yes. I run hot water at multiple fixtures to confirm the system is heating water properly and check temperature with a thermometer.

Do you open or drain the water heater?

No. That’s outside the scope of a visual home inspection. I inspect what’s visible and accessible only.

What is RecallChek and how does it help?

RecallChek uses model and serial numbers to identify if a water heater (or other appliance) has a safety recall—now or in the future. You stay in the loop even after moving in.

Can you tell me how old the water heater is?

Usually. Most manufacturers code the year into the serial number, and I note that in your report. Age matters when budgeting replacements.

→ Next up: Post 21: Plumbing Walkthrough — How We Test Every Sink, Toilet, and Drain

← Previously: Post 19: Ducts & Vents — The Forgotten System That Impacts Your Comfort

Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?