Tile is not flat. A cosmetic problem caused by poor installation practice. It indicates work performed by an inexperienced installer and is a sign to look for other problems in other work performed by this installer that may create more serious problems.

Grout lines are not even. Again, a cosmetic problem caused by poor installation practice.

Tile has grout residue on its face. A cosmetic problem caused by poor installation practice.

The soap dish is crooked. Gaps around the edge may allow water to penetrate the area behind the tile where it may cause damage and/or deterioration.

Floor tile is improperly sloped and will cause water to pool at low spots, increasing the chances of water penetrating the tile/grout and causing decay damage to wood floor structure framing.

Improper standpipe.

Toilet

A shut-off should be installed to allow replacement or repair of the water heater.

Exposed Inadequately-Supported Conductor.

Whether the conductor may be exposed, or must be installed inside armored cable or conduit varies with jurisdiction and with the potential for exposure to damage.

The conductor must be supported with cable connectors and staples in a manner similar to the rest of the home wiring.

Improper Water Pipe Material

On a dual element residential water heater, both elements do not heat at the same time.

Washing machine hoses are not an acceptable substitute for proper water supply pipe materials.

Improper Water Pipe Materials, Connections, and Fittings.

Polybutylene (PB) has been installed in buildings across the country. It has been the subject of a large class action suit, and the recommendation is typically for replacement due to high incidence of incipient (early) failure resulting in leaking and damage. Failure has generally been connected with improper crimp installation and the development of cracks due to chemical reaction with supply water in some areas. Also, a hose clamp is an insufficient connection (PB to copper).

Both #1 and #2 have dielectric connections installed but still have different metals in contact with each other. In the presence of moisture, different metals in contact with each other can cause galvanic corrosion. In #1, brass against copper is acceptable, in #2, galvanized steel against copper is not OK. Recommend correction of #2.

Reduced Diameter of Temperature/Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve Discharge Pipe.

The TPR discharge pipe must not be reduced in diameter form the Valve outlet size. Here, it has been reduced from ¾" to ½".

FVIR water heaters have a screen installed in the part of the jacket covering the burn chamber that is designed to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors that might be present near the water heater. An example is gasoline fumes from a gas can stored next to a water heater located in a basement or mechanical room.

Different metals in contact with no dielectric union.

In the presence of moisture, galvanic corrosion will occur when different metals are in contact with each other. To avoid galvanic corrosion, a dielectric union (a fitting of a non-conductive material) is installed that interrupts electrical conductivity between the pipes. a. In the presence of moisture, galvanic corrosion will occur when different metals are in contact with each other. To avoid galvanic corrosion, a dielectric union (a fitting of a non-conductive material) is installed that interrupts electrical conductivity between the pipes.

Improper Dielectric Union.

At the water supply pipe, although a dielectric union has been installed, two different metals are still in contact. Eventually, galvanic corrosion will cause a leak to develop at this fitting. The nipple connecting the two pipes should have been copper.

No Gas Shut-Off or Sediment Trap.

A shut off should be installed to facilitate gas shut-off during an emergency, or for when the water heater is disconnected for replacement or repair.

A sediment trap is designed to keep particles out of the gas valve.

Temperature/Pressure relief (TPR) valve discharge pipe termination is not visible.

The termination of a TPR discharge pipes should be visible so that it can be visually verified that the end has not been capped or otherwise flow-restricted.

Disconnected draft hood.

The draft hood serves two purposes:

1. It neutralizes stack effect by keeping the burn chamber at atmospheric pressure. In other words, it helps prevent excessive updrafts and downdrafts in the combustion exhaust vent that might affect the combustion process in the burn chamber.
2. It provides dilution air. Dilution air lowers the temperature of combustion gases. Reducing the temperature difference between the hot combustion gasses and the cool exhaust vent also reduces the potential for the development of condensation that can corrode the vent and/or the water heater.
3. It provides an avenue for exhaust spillage in the event of a blockage such as a bird's nest.

Improper Exhaust Vent Configuration.

1. Reverse slope; the vent should slope up from the draft hood at and angle of at least ¼" vertical rise per foot of horizontal run.
2. Taped connections. In most jurisdictions, aluminum tape alone is not adequate for making connections, but may sometimes be installed to help hold screws in place.
3. Flexible, ribbed dryer vent is not an acceptable material for venting water heater combustion gasses. It is not designed to withstand the temperatures generated by gas combustion. Also, at any connection in which one section fits inside another, the lower section should be inserted inside the upper. The reverse has been done here.
4. Inadequate clearance for combustibles.

i. Double-wall vent requires a 1-inch clearance from combustibles.

ii. Single wall vent requires 6-inch clearance from combustibles.

Improper vent support. The metal vent should not be supported by a vinyl strap, which is combustible.