Water service to water heater is off, visual inspection: Water service to the water heater is not turned on; we do not operate shut-off valves. Therefore, portions of the appliance which require water for operation are visually inspected only.
Pilot light off, no operation: The pilot light is off, which prevents system operation and limits the inspection.
Maintained by local association: The water heater or related system appears to be maintained by local association and, therefore, is not inspected.
Shared with other units, unable to determine responsibility for operation/maintenance: The water heater appears to be shared with other units. Therefore, the inspector is unable to determine responsibility for operation and maintenance.
Insulated, not inspected:The water heater is not completely inspected because it is insulated. The inspector does not remove insulation jackets during inspections.
Equipped with expansion tank, inspected for water leaks, no internal inspection: The water heater is equipped with an expansion tank which is inspected for water leaks. Inspection does not include internal components of the expansion tank.
High-efficiency unit, sealed components not inspected: The water heater is a high-efficiency unit and includes components which are sealed and cannot be inspected.
Powered off, not operated or inspected: The water heater is off and, therefore, cannot be operated or inspected.
Off prior to inspection, turned on during inspection to verify proper operation: The water heater was off prior to inspection. The inspector turned on the water heater during the inspection to verify proper operation before shutting off the water. However, due to time constraints, the water heater cannot be operated for the required time to determine hot water temperature.
Temperature setting turned down: The thermostat is turned down; homeowners generally set lower thermostat settings to conserve energy.
Operates on a timer, which is off: The water heater operates according to a timer, which is off. The inspector turned on the water heater during the inspection to verify proper operation before shutting the water heater off. However, due to time constraints, the water heater cannot be operated for the required time to determine hot water temperature.
Near/at end useful life, budget for replacement: The water heater is near or at the end of its estimated useful life. We recommend establishing a budget to replace the water heater.
Past end useful life, budget for replacement: The water heater is past the end of its estimated useful life. We recommend establishing a budget to replace the water heater.
Age is estimate, exact age not determined, data plate missing or no info: The age of the water heater is an estimate. The exact age cannot be determined because the data plate is missing or does not provide the required information.
Tankless water heaters require periodic servicing, frequency depends on many factors, including local water supply, consult plumber as required: Tankless water heaters generally require periodic servicing to prevent scale build-up and maintain optimal performance. The frequency of service depends on many factors, including the local water supply. Contact a plumber authorized by the appliance manufacturer for further guidance.