Professional Home Inspection Service

The home experts in Binghamton New York

Members of the American Society of Home Inspectors

Some defects at gas-fired equipment

The soot stains and damage on the propane-fired water heater on the left are the result of installing the unit without a chimney. This unit was venting carbon monoxide directly into the basement. When we inspected the house we found this old water heater disconnected in the basement and the new unit on the left installed in its place. However, the new unit isn't connected to a chimney either, and therefore is venting into the basement. This is a serious life safety concern! Some people never learn.

This gas-fired boiler is installed in a garage. This boiler is about fifty years old and was converted form coal to natural gas. The flame on any combustion equipment should be located at least 18 inches above the garage floor to minimize the risk of explosion from gasoline vapors. To make matters worse, the home owner has chosen to store his snow blower and gasoline cans around the boiler. And of course, given the age of this house, there is no fire separation system between the house and the garage. These are examples of the difference between the way homes were built in the past and safer modern practices which the home buyer should be aware of.

This is a photo of a vent connector (smoke pipe) on a gas-fired boiler which has separated. Flue gas leakage will result. This boiler was located in a closet. The lack of a ceiling in this closet is also a defect. A ceiling should be in place to slow flame-spread from the closet into the attic should a fire start.

When you are ready to schedule your inspection we can be reached at: 607-773-1519

Professional Home Inspection Service

1278 Vestal Avenue

Binghamton, New York 13903

office@professionalhome.com

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	The soot stains and damage on the propane-fired water heater on the left are the result of installing the unit without a chimney. This unit was venting carbon monoxide directly into the basement. When we inspected the house we found this old water heater disconnected in the basement and the new unit on the left installed in its place. However, the new unit isn't connected to a chimney either, and therefore is venting into the basement. This is a serious life safety concern! Some people never learn.
	This gas-fired boiler is installed in a garage. This boiler is about fifty years old and was converted form coal to natural gas. The flame on any combustion equipment should be located at least 18 inches above the garage floor to minimize the risk of explosion from gasoline vapors. To make matters worse, the home owner has chosen to store his snow blower and gasoline cans around the boiler. And of course, given the age of this house, there is no fire separation system between the house and the garage. These are examples of the difference between the way homes were built in the past and safer modern practices which the home buyer should be aware of.
	This is a photo of a vent connector (smoke pipe) on a gas-fired boiler which has separated. Flue gas leakage will result. This boiler was located in a closet. The lack of a ceiling in this closet is also a defect. A ceiling should be in place to slow flame-spread from the closet into the attic should a fire start.