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Topic: Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal (Read 421 times) previous topic - next topic
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Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal
I recently purchased a 2006 Lazy Daze 26.5 rear kitchen and had an inspection done prior to purchase. The report calls out "The rubber grommet for the propane line is not sealed properly which may allow LP and CO gas to flow into the RV". I have attached the picture that was included in the report (along with some mark-ups that I added). I have a few questions as it relates to this:
  • Is this something I could fix myself? (I will already be having a RV tech come out to fix a seperate issue related to a wire hanging down on the underside of the RV, so I could have him fix this while he is there if this is something best left to a professional BUT I like to learn how to fix issues on my own and save money where I can so that's why I'm asking)
  • I'm not sure where exactly they mean when they say it is "not sealed" properly. I have marked up the photo to help illustrate my question. Is it where the red arrow is pointing (so the outer most edge)? Or where the green arrow is pointing (so the circle where the propane line is entering? Or both?
  • If I can do this myself, any ideas on what type of sealant I should use?

Thanks for your help!
Re: Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal
Reply #1 –
I wouldn't worry about it personally.   

Mine looks like that and while I guess it's not airtight, it's pretty close.  

I turn the water heater on for a few minutes before taking a shower.   98% of the time, our water heater is off. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal
Reply #2 –
Considering that the propane connections for stove/oven and furnace are INSIDE the cabin, hard to see the concern for this grommet.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal
Reply #3 –
Quote
The rubber grommet for the propane line is not sealed properly which may allow LP and CO gas to flow into the RV"

That's 100% BS.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal
Reply #4 –
I have to agree with Jor. That report is pure hogwash! The rubber grommet is there to prevent chafing of the metal (copper) hose, (with propane in it at very low pressue), as it passes through the sheet metal shield.
  All of the air in the outside compartments is ambient air, containing exhaust, both for the refrigerator and water heater. Both have vents in the doors, and are sealed off from the living spaces.
  An example of pure ignorance on the part of your so called 'inspector'. That type of mis-understanding throws all of the report in the 'dumper' as worthless. If you paid that person anything you should demand a refund, and make sure a comment is placed on that persons record. Were they certified by anybody?  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal
Reply #5 –
Quote from: jor  - 
That's 100% BS.
jor
That was my first thought. Sometimes I think inspectors look hard to come up with something.
I have seen Home inspectors point out the most petty Electrical issue while a much bigger error is right in their face.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal
Reply #6 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
  All of the air in the outside compartments is ambient air, containing exhaust, both for the refrigerator and water heater. Both have vents in the doors, and are sealed off from the living spaces.
Ron - after you and others have pointed out that if there was a leak in this area, it would be venting to the outside anyways, it makes sense that this is a non-issue. I just saw "life safety issue" in big red letters on the report and panicked  :D  They were certified by NRVIA and had good reviews online...so who knows.

I had an RV tech come out on Saturday to fix a separate issue and I had him just take a quick look at while he was there and he said basically what you all have said and not to worry about it. So, I can cross this off my list!
 
Re: Safety issue noted in inspection report re: water heater grommet seal
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Katie J.  - 
They were certified by NRVIA and had good reviews online...so who knows.

We experienced a NRVIA-certified inspector when we sold our LTV.  I knew vastly more about RVs than he did.  I basically had to demonstrate every single thing in the coach for him.  All he did on his own was note the VIN, mileage, and stick thermometers in the fridge and freezer.

Color me "not impressed" with the certification.