Water Heater-Fire

Bradford White water heater installed in Jan 2007. It went south last week. Plumber blamed me because I don't have a regulator.

He showed up and small but intense electrical fire erupted as he pushed internal red reset button.
Circuits are now literally Fried.

I told him I would not pay for labor to replace as he requested.
He wasn't happy about that.

Should I have someone else install a regulator?
What is appx. cost to have one installed?

Mike 50

What is a Regulator?????

What are you talking about???

If you are speking of a PRV valve or pressure regulator for the incomming water pressure, this fellow is trying to hose you...

it would have nothing to do with the electrical system shorting out on the heater after only a few months that wouldcause a fire unless the heater itself has leaked and shorted out the wireing


please give more information

Gotcha.

A. Pan holding heater was filled with water
B. Slow drip on top coming from spout (with lever).
I never noticed leak on top because tank is wrapped in blanket.

When he opened up control panel it was wet.
He was proding inside with a screw driver and I wondered if it shorted out when fire started.

He was referring to water pressure regulator....

HTH

Mike50

First mistake

Opening a water heater thermostat panel without shutting the electric down.

That was negligence on his part and I would be hesitant to pay as well....but that doesn't override what is going on with the leak.

Why didn't this plumber address the pressure issue @ time of install?

Any plumber who has a clue should walk into a customer's home with a water pressure gauge anytime you service/repair/replace anything that requires water pressure to operate.

You expect your doctor to check your blood pressure and temperature when you go to the doctor's office to check for symptoms to a possible underlying problem when you feel "just fine",

the plumber needs to follow that same logic to correctly understand the cause and effect of why you are there in the first place in regards to plumbing malfunctioning.

The logic behind having a water pressure gauge is not only a great tool in the business, but you learn the pressure zones in your area and from there you can build your commentary with new or existing customers to let them know the cause and effect of the situation, upsell the components (PRV & EXP tank) knowing the plumbing expense is justified and will pay itself back in less than 3 years due to water consumption savings, less repairs to plumbing.

In my opinion, the plumber had an obligation at time of install to notify the customer of this high pressure situation, not months later when it has done untold damage to the life of tank, along with all the wet insulation that is considered JUNK at this point.

I just asked him if he checked the pressure when he did the January install and if he would check pressure today when he installs new unit today.

He said NO to both. He says he "knows" the pressure is high here. (small town).

I decided never to use him again months ago. But I had to get this free replacement done.
I've been without hot water for 4 days.

I threw the blanket away.
The guy also said he wasnt going to empty pan full of water--again-NO. So I did it.

Mike50

Was a PRV installed, along with Expansion tank?

Sounds like he took the mfg. sticker off the tank and is getting a new tank, AND paid by the mfg to replace it.

Wrong on all counts if the plumbing company makes a habit of doing this, knowing the plumbing company is getting paid twice for a heater install and blaming it on due negligence.

RUGGED said:

Sounds like he took the mfg. sticker off the tank and is getting a new tank, AND paid by the mfg to replace it.

Wrong on all counts if the plumbing company makes a habit of doing this, knowing the plumbing company is getting paid twice for a heater install and blaming it on due negligence.

Click to expand...

Ya know...I HATE, and I mean HATE to say this...
I was all about listening and letting this guy have a chance to remedy the trouble, till I heard these two things - 4 days no hot water?!? Wouldn't even empty the safety pan?!?
This guy is why so many people are afraid to hire plumbers.
I'm FAR from perfect, but when I get a call on work I did I'm there in minutes, I clean my mess...thats why you paid me.

its just the old prv scam

In our town their are a few plumbers out there
that selll the heater, then after they get started on the
job or completely finish up, they claim that the water pressure
is too high and the home-owner is obligated to buy a prv valve....

to make the warranty on the heater "valid"

usually they try to sock it to the customer
for about another $600

Most of them will throw the fellow
out of the house and then call me to verify if
the " load of hooey" they were just fed was legit.


I tell them that the waranty is not void if
they have high pressure, but it is good to have a PRV
valve...and its their home and their decision as of what
to do....

which can be done for more around $275.00

usually they are my best buddies for life after that.



What caused the leak in the first place????

Was it actually his fault,
or something dripping down
from other pipes????

That's exactly what he did Mark. He wanted $$ to reinstall. I gave him nothing.
Outgoing Faucet (into water heater) has a very slow leak---he just told me *on the phone after it was installed*.
Told me he was to busy to replace it.

He also told me he had to lie to the supplier to get them to replace under warranty. Said they would void warranty if they found out I had no pressure regulator.
He also told me not to call him if this one goes south as it will be my fault for not installing regulator.

Thanks for all the input. The whole thing smelled like a rat.

I want this guy out of my life. period.

Mike50

How much $$

The max operating pressure listed on the heater is

usually 150psi...

but of course it is wise not to have it that high...

what was the pressure in your area comming in at??


what were they going to charge you for the "up-grade"

He said 90 as I recall.

Then again......he only lies when his lips are moving. So, who knows.

I ended the conversation before we got to the price part of the discussion.

I'll see him in hell before I let him in my house again.

Oh...BTW, did I mention I was pissed off?

Mike50 said:

He said 90 as I recall.

Then again......he only lies when his lips are moving. So, who knows.

Click to expand...

You should offer to be his campaign manager to run for mayor...get yer foot in the door.

Mike50 said:

He also told me he had to lie to the supplier to get them to replace under warranty. Said they would void warranty if they found out I had no pressure regulator.
He also told me not to call him if this one goes south as it will be my fault for not installing regulator.


Mike50

Click to expand...

Depending on what state you live in, replacement heaters require a permit. If this applies in your state,

call the plumbing inspector in the morning, tell them what is happening with your water heater and the situation.

The inspector will have that plumber pull permits, it will fail if protection was required over 80 pounds and the 1st permit will get turned down.

The second permit inspection will get done after the heater is brought up to code.

Code *if it applies in your state* will be a PRV and Expansion tank installed on that heater.

Without those two components, that heater is subject to premature wear along with the rest of the house.

This "plumber" could of taken a different approach and advised you of this high water pressure initially, gave the cost to install as MPM mentioned and you "probably" would of chosen to have it done if it was done tactfully and with complete knowledge-based facts.

Use Angie's List; situations like these need to be known so the next victim isn't created.

master plumber mark said:

I tell them that the waranty is not void if
they have high pressure, but it is good to have a PRV
valve...and its their home and their decision as of what
to do....

which can be done for more around $275.00

Click to expand...

Does that include the tank?

prv valve....

If the fellow said 90 bucks, for a PRV valve
installed .....thats not too bad a price
at all.....

Cass....when you have someone trying to cram one down
your throat for $ 600 then $275 installed for one
sounds low.

I wasnt clear: I believe he said the pressure was 90.

Just got quote of 250.00 for pressure regulator install-parts and labor.
(another recommended plumber)

Apparently they are preset at *55*.

I will loose a lot of pressure---Oh well....

The PRV's are adjustable...you aren't stuck with the factory default.

Thats good news. Thanks Jim. This forum never lets me down....

Why don't you spend $15 and get a pressure gauge and test your pressure. If it's much more than 60 psi, then you need a PRV and an expansion tank.