Switching to a heat pump water heater can save some homeowners money. But for one couple, a questionable installation setup raises concerns that a single mistake could cause flooding and wipe out those savings. 

Here's what to know

Compared with the older 13-year-old unit it replaced, the couple said their new tankless water heater leaves much more piping exposed underneath, cutting into the space around the laundry area. In the post, the original poster wrote, "The pipes can be wiggled with my fingers and feel fragile," and said the concern is even bigger because they plan to rent the apartment out.

Rather than redo the job immediately, the couple asked Reddit to weigh three possible solutions: a custom metal cage, a plumber rerouting and supporting the lower piping, or raising the unit higher on the wall. They also said they didn't want to start over on the installation so soon after it was completed.

Safety came up quickly in the replies. One commenter called a cage "the easier softer way," but also warned that the T&P valve discharge pipe should terminate within 6 inches of the floor because "Boiling hot water can shoot out of that in an emergency situation."

More background

Much of the criticism focused on how awkward the arrangement looked to work around and service. One commenter pointed to the unused wall area above the nearby light switch and expansion tank and said a full repipe would be worth it for "peace of mind."

Maintenance concerns came up too. "Where are the service valves?" one commenter asked, while another described the pipe routing as "illogical and counterproductive," saying it could make later service harder and questioning whether an external recirculating pump was necessary in that setup.

A few commenters were less convinced that an accidental bump would cause immediate damage. One person told the couple, "These are way stronger than you'd think," and said the copper would likely bend before a soldered joint failed.

Even so, the situation points to a common issue for small apartments that a system can be technically functional while still creating everyday problems if it crowds a laundry area or leaves piping exposed.

What can be done?

In their update, the owners said they decided against a full tear-out. Instead, they planned to have the plumber extend the T&P relief valve pipes farther down into the corner and add threaded-rod supports to the sections that stick out the most.

For homeowners still deciding what to install next, Cala makes smart heat pump water heaters that can turn a replacement into a bill-cutting upgrade. Cala's customizable smart heat pump water heaters can help homeowners lower energy bills by heating water exactly when they need it. That gives shoppers another way to think about a replacement job: not just whether the unit works, but how the layout, service access, and operating costs fit together when comparing options from Cala.

In the end, the owners summed up their decision, writing, "We're not going to redo it as the consensus is that it is an OK but ugly/imperfect install, and it is working fine."

Where can I learn more?

Water-heater issues like this can quickly become safety concerns, repair hassles, and renter headaches. These stories follow homeowners and tenants dealing with those issues.

• A renter's botched water heater fix sparked outrage over dangerous, potentially deadly workmanship.

• One homeowner called a surprisingly common install trend among plumbers completely ridiculous.

• A terrified renter asked if a possible water-heater explosion put their home in danger.

• A homeowner spotted an abnormal flame under a gas water heater and shut it off.

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