At Bear’s Plumbing, we’ve seen a lot over the years—but this one stopped us in our tracks.

Two recent calls involved tankless water heaters installed in attics insulated with spray foam. At first glance, everything looked fine. But upon closer inspection, we discovered serious safety concerns: improper ventilation had caused the surrounding foam insulation to cook. The discoloration you see in the photos is not just cosmetic—it’s a clear sign of heat exposure. In both cases, a fire could have easily been the next step.

Here’s the big takeaway:
Spray foam insulation traps heat, so proper ventilation and clearance are absolutely critical when installing a gas appliance like a tankless water heater. These aren’t DIY jobs. They’re not even “handyman” jobs. They require trained, licensed, and insured professionals who know code, understand venting requirements, and are willing to take the time to do the job right.

What you risk when cutting corners:

• Fire hazards due to improper venting
• Voided manufacturer warranties
• Violations of local building codes
• Increased risk of carbon monoxide issues
• Expensive do-overs

Play it safe. Protect your home.
If you’ve got spray foam insulation or are considering going tankless, let Bear’s Plumbing do it the right way the first time. We’re licensed, insured, and highly trained in safe, efficient tankless water heater installations.

📞 Call us at 281-350-2327
📱 Text us anytime at 281-807-7973
💻 Or schedule online at bearsplumbing.net