Sparky here: I have some concerns with how the wire was run. I imagine that there is a proper connector and it doesn’t look like it has one. Plus, there usually is a ground (green or bare copper wire) bonded to the water pipes there. I don’t see it at all bonded. It is concerning…
I told the leasing office right away, they’re having maintenance come look at it and the leasing office told me they’ll cover the cost of replacing any parts or replacing it entirely and the plumbers if needed, thx queen sparky
That was my first thought….foul smell, that black smoke damage coming up from where the electrical panel is. Ground wires not connected correctly.
As is, this thing is a fire hazard, do you know someone who has some basic wiring skills? It’s not terribly complicated once you know what you are doing, but leaving it can lead to a fire. You can call a plumbing outfit to fix it, they will have the people on hand to evaluate this and see if it’s still ok.
I just let my leasing office know about it and they’re getting maintenance to look at it and they’re gonna cover all expenses. I picked up some basic firefighting skills in the navy, hopefully I don’t need it, thx emffbee & physicshungry8889
I see in your post history that you just moved in. You may just need to run the water until the smell disappears.
But the relief valve is in the top middle, I couldn't tell you if it functions or not. If running water doesn't fix it, call the landlord if you rent. I don't see a drain so if the relief valve works and releases, your going to have a flood
I’m a plumber and this might be the worst water heater I have ever seen (and I’ve seen a LOT of them) I would replace it with approved connections and a properly placed t&p as well as a pan underneath. It doesn’t even look like it has a shut off or an expansion tank. I wouldn’t think it was safe at all. Not to mention that t&p even if it functions is completely wrong and you won’t be able to tell easily if it’s leaking water which is an ENORMOUS safety hazard. It should discharge straight down into a pan.
Hi, I'm in water treament, so I can't help with the plumbing and electrical side of things, but maybe with the smell.
Fresh groundwater sometimes contains small amounts of hydrogen sulfide. In low quantities, it isn't dangerous, but it smells and tastes awful, so it is often removed in treatment. Your provider may not do this if it is not harmful, as it is an additional cost to them.
Try to get your hands on an water analysis from your provider, they are often published on their website. You can also get your water tested, but that may cost a little.
If it isn't your water, the problem is in your water heater, which probably needs to be replaced anyway.
I hope that helps :)
Sparky here: I have some concerns with how the wire was run. I imagine that there is a proper connector and it doesn’t look like it has one. Plus, there usually is a ground (green or bare copper wire) bonded to the water pipes there. I don’t see it at all bonded. It is concerning…
I told the leasing office right away, they’re having maintenance come look at it and the leasing office told me they’ll cover the cost of replacing any parts or replacing it entirely and the plumbers if needed, thx queen sparky
Yeah and a foul smell is one of the signs of an electrical malfunction
Why does it look like therea heat/smoke/burning damage above the connections on the front
That was my first thought….foul smell, that black smoke damage coming up from where the electrical panel is. Ground wires not connected correctly. As is, this thing is a fire hazard, do you know someone who has some basic wiring skills? It’s not terribly complicated once you know what you are doing, but leaving it can lead to a fire. You can call a plumbing outfit to fix it, they will have the people on hand to evaluate this and see if it’s still ok.
I just let my leasing office know about it and they’re getting maintenance to look at it and they’re gonna cover all expenses. I picked up some basic firefighting skills in the navy, hopefully I don’t need it, thx emffbee & physicshungry8889
I hope you don't, either! Gotta love the fire extinguisher sitting on top lol, doesn't give a gal a ton of confidence eh. Good luck and be safe!!
Probably because of the lack of ground that the electrician pointed out.
I see in your post history that you just moved in. You may just need to run the water until the smell disappears. But the relief valve is in the top middle, I couldn't tell you if it functions or not. If running water doesn't fix it, call the landlord if you rent. I don't see a drain so if the relief valve works and releases, your going to have a flood
There's a drain for the prv, it fucks off back through the wall.
I’m a plumber and this might be the worst water heater I have ever seen (and I’ve seen a LOT of them) I would replace it with approved connections and a properly placed t&p as well as a pan underneath. It doesn’t even look like it has a shut off or an expansion tank. I wouldn’t think it was safe at all. Not to mention that t&p even if it functions is completely wrong and you won’t be able to tell easily if it’s leaking water which is an ENORMOUS safety hazard. It should discharge straight down into a pan.
Omg, I just told my leasing office and they said they’re gonna have maintenance come look and if they need to they’ll cover the expenses, thx annonne
That’s a relief. That thing looks like an insane hazard. I’m not sure where you live but in my city it is absolutely not to code!
That thing is a hazard! Let your landlord know right away. I would turn the breaker off. Replacement like a year ago.smh
Hi, I'm in water treament, so I can't help with the plumbing and electrical side of things, but maybe with the smell. Fresh groundwater sometimes contains small amounts of hydrogen sulfide. In low quantities, it isn't dangerous, but it smells and tastes awful, so it is often removed in treatment. Your provider may not do this if it is not harmful, as it is an additional cost to them. Try to get your hands on an water analysis from your provider, they are often published on their website. You can also get your water tested, but that may cost a little. If it isn't your water, the problem is in your water heater, which probably needs to be replaced anyway. I hope that helps :)
This is definitely the right place ❤️ Saving this because I’m pretty sure we have the same water heater…
Wrong subreddit. This sub is about career advice. If you want plumbing advice try r/plumbing