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Water heaters are a common appliance in both residential and commercial properties, designed to heat and store water for everyday use. When a water heater failure results in a water-loss claim, understanding how the system functions and identifying the specific point of failure are critical to a complete evaluation.
In this episode of Evidence to Answers, forensic engineer Mark covers how water heaters are typically installed and operated, including both traditional tank-style systems and tankless units. He explains the key installation details that impact performance, such as proper connection of supply lines, the use of dielectric fittings, and the importance of temperature and pressure relief systems. He also reviews the most common failure patterns seen in practice, including manufacturing and material-related issues, installation deficiencies, and maintenance or usage-related factors such as corrosion, lack of routine maintenance, and normal wear over time.
This video is for those involved in losses and claims where a water heater is a factor. Documenting part numbers, manufacturer information, installation conditions, maintenance history, and the overall condition of the unit before removal provides the foundation needed for a complete and defensible evaluation.
