Inspection Training

How to Inspect the Combustion Air at the Water Heater

While the inspector is at the water heater they should check for fresh air combustion going into the room. If the water heater is electric or is a high efficiency water heater it does not require fresh air combustion. Please review the entire procedure below.

NACHI SOP

International Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection

 

3.6. Plumbing

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

C. The water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing.

 

II. The inspector shall describe:

N/A

 

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

N/A

 

IV. The inspector is not required to:

B. Measure the capacity, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
C. Inspect the interior of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softener or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-off valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems, or fire sprinkler systems.

R. Evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.

 

Axium SOP Differences

Axium Requires: The inspector will check for the presence of combustion air coming into the area that the water heater is located.

 

Tools Needed

No tools required to inspect the Combustion Air Supply.

Procedure

While inspecting the water heater you will want to check for the presence of combustion air coming into the room. There is one picture required for this section and it should show the the combustion air supply.

Common Defects

  • The combustion air supply is either blocked or not present in the room where the water heater is located.

 

Common Mistakes

  • Not checking for the presence of combustion air.
  • Not checking to see if the combustion air is being blocked by a material.

 

Report / Software

IN
  • The combustion air supply for this appliance consisted of [word 1], which appeared to be adequate. Combustion air provides the oxygen needed for the safe and efficient operation of fuel burning appliances. An adequate supply of fresh air around all fuel burning appliances with open combustion apartments is vital for their safe operation. Years ago, the air could come from inside or outside the building, however, more recent standards prefer for combustion air to come from the outside only.
    • 1 Duct
    • 2 Ducts
    • Attic Vents
    • Crawlspace Vents

NI
  • N/A

NP
  • Not Present: The combustion air supply for this appliance [word 1]. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make necessary corrections according to current standards. Combustion air provides the oxygen needed for the safe and efficient operation of fuel burning appliances. An adequate supply of fresh air around all fuel burning appliances with open combustion apartments is vital for their safe operation. Years ago, the air could come from inside or outside the building, however, more recent standards prefer for combustion air to come from the outside only.
    • Blocked
    • Not Present
  • Electric: An electric water heater does not require a supply of combustion air.
  • Not Present: This type of water heater does not require a supply of combustion air.

RR
  • The combustion air supply for this appliance [word 1]. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make necessary corrections according to current standards. Combustion air provides the oxygen needed for the safe and efficient operation of fuel burning appliances. An adequate supply of fresh air around all fuel burning appliances with open combustion apartments is vital for their safe operation. Years ago, the air could come from inside or outside the building, however, more recent standards prefer for combustion air to come from the outside only.
    • Blocked
    • Not Present

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