Forensic Engineering Analysis Of The Negative Effect Of Hot Water Distribution Systems On Heater Operation

Abstract

Our Office Had Two Condominium Litigation Cases That Had A Number Of Construction Defects. One Was A Luxury Complex And One Was A Moderately Priced Project. However, There Were Two Common Allegations In Both Cases. These Allegations Were That The Occupants Complained That They Did Not Have Sufficient Hot Water And That The Water Heater Was Not Able To Provide A Sufficient Quantity Of Hot Water. We Prepared Calculations On Both Of The Water Heater Systems To Determine If They Were Undersized. The Calculations Determined That The Water Heater Assembly Of Both Installations Were Liberally Sized And Should Have Been Able To Maintain Design Temperature All The Time, Even At Peak Use. To Ensure That The Water Heaters Were Both Operating Correctly, We Had The Water Heater Manufacturer Come Out And Service The Heaters On Both Systems. Both Systems Were Operating Properly.