RSM Plumbing recently completed a gas water heater replacement for a homeowner in Middleton, Idaho, but during the installation we also discovered and corrected a couple of important safety issues.

The existing water heater had an expansion tank improperly supported by copper piping coming out of the wall. When expansion tanks fail, they often fill with water and become extremely heavy. That additional weight can stress copper piping and eventually cause leaks or pipe damage.

To correct the issue, we installed the expansion tank properly using durable brass fittings and piping, which provide much stronger support and long-term reliability. At RSM Plumbing, we avoid using low-quality galvanized fittings inside homes because they tend to deteriorate quickly and can create future plumbing problems.

While inspecting the installation, we also noticed the home did not have a carbon monoxide detector installed, which is extremely important when a home has gas appliances. Because gas water heaters can produce carbon monoxide if something goes wrong, we installed a carbon monoxide detector for the homeowner at no charge to ensure the home meets basic safety standards.

As a retired career firefighter, safety is always a top priority for our team. Making sure plumbing and gas appliances are installed correctly helps protect homeowners and their families.

Why Proper Water Heater Installation Matters

Water heaters are one of the most important appliances in a home, and proper installation helps ensure both performance and safety.

Common issues we see during water heater replacements include:

• Improperly supported expansion tanks

• Low-quality galvanized fittings that deteriorate quickly

• Missing safety devices like carbon monoxide detectors

• Aging plumbing connections that need upgrading

Correcting these issues during installation helps prevent future leaks and improves overall safety for the home.