Business ProfileforAmtrol, Inc.

There are other reasons why a product can fail that do not relate to manufacturer defect, such as excessive incoming supply pressure, aggressive water, or improper installation. 

The Manual and label on the tank clearly warn do not locate in an area where leaking or flooding could cause damage to the surrounding area. Most local plumbing codes require that a drain and/or drip pan be installed to mitigate any water damage. There is no evidence provided that a drain or a drip pan was installed to avoid damage.  The label on the unit as well as the warning in the Manual warns Failure to follow the instructions in the accompanying manual can cause a rupture or explosion; causing serious or fatal injury, leaking or flooding and/or property damage.

The Manual also warns to Determine whether your water is corrosive or acidic, and that there are no suspended solids,toxic or other substances or abnormally high chlorine levels in the water that could damage or affect the water heater or the rest of your plumbing system.

The Manual additionally warns that appliance should be in an area where water leakage from the tank or connections will not result in damage to areas adjacent to the appliance or to lower floors of the structure.  When such a location cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan must be installed under the appliance. The pan must be connected to a drain.

If the unit had failed and/or was exposed to over-pressurization, the temperature and relief valve (T&P) would have been discharging giving the property owner an indication there was a problem in the system. Periodic inspection of the unit, as recommended in the Installation and Operation Manual (Manual) could have detected any problems and the unit could have been replaced prior to catastrophic failure.