@ Yendor
Sorry for the delayed response. I thought I’d receive email updates for new posts, but I must have missed the option?
Firstly, really good question.
I have seen the post with that image on the FB page. Personally, I think it boils down to user fault. This wouldn’t have happened if the user used soapy water to check for leaks. For me, this is common practice with my gas appliances such as my HOTTAP and my BBQ.
Portable water heaters need to pass rigorous testing in order to get compliance to be legally sold within Australia (or whichever country they are being sold in – for example, NZ needs a separate approval). So, first step would be is to ensure the unit you are looking at has relevant approval. I’m pretty sure the unit in the image has relevant approval.
In terms of the fire spurting under the unit, my experience tells me that one of two things has happened;
1. Cracked gas assembly
2. Loose connection/ fitting
A cracked gas assembly can come about from being dropped/ knocked hard on the gas valve or from over-tightening. From factory (our units and most likely others) are tested before they are shipped here to our warehouse. So, it is highly unlikely to have a cracked assembly from brand new.
I’m pretty certain that the fault in the image was due to a loose/ faulty gas connection (not to do with the unit).
In terms of safeguards, like I mentioned before, make sure the unit you want to get has relevant approvals. Aside from this, I highly recommend using soapy water to check for gas leaks. This is a cheap and easy way to start covering yourself from potential danger. Also, use a spanner to tighten the connection – no hand tightening.
In saying this, these types of units (eg.: HOTTAP) are actually pretty safe. No pilot light, just a piezo to spark up – similar to your BBQ. Over temperature sensors, flame sensors (cuts out if senses no flame: stops release of gas into atmosphere). They’re not made to spit out flames, they’re made to heat up water.
@ NissanGQ4.2
Thanks for that! I may look into it
