Location
Columbus, Ohio
Property Type
Multi-Family Complex
Asset Protection
Water Heater
Protecting Asset Performance & Lease-Up Experience in New Construction
Dry-Fire water heater element failure was identified before resident move-in, preventing negative first impressions, unplanned repair during lease-up, and potential warranty and performance disputes.
Project Summary
At a newly constructed multifamily property in Columbus, Ohio, engineering teams observed abnormal performance signals from a unit water heater shortly after installation. Thermistor readings remained fixed at approximately 70°F, indicating that the system was not responding to heating demand as expected.
Because the building was in early operational stages, the issue could easily have gone unnoticed until the unit was occupied — when service disruption and resident dissatisfaction would have been more likely.
Using O&M Insights, teams determined that both heating elements had failed. Performance patterns strongly suggested a dry-fire event — a commissioning error in which the water heater is energized before the tank is filled with water. This condition can cause elements to warp or burn out almost immediately, leaving the unit unable to deliver reliable hot water service.
By identifying the failure early, teams were able to address the issue before turnover and leasing activity accelerated.
Proactive Asset Protection: Identifying commissioning errors before move-in prevents negative first impressions for new residents and eliminates unplanned, reactive maintenance labor.
Fleet Commander Saved This Property from a Potential Cascade of Failures
- Resident service complaints shortly after move-in
- Increased warranty coordination and contractor disputes
- Emergency maintenance activity during lease-up
- Negative online reviews affecting absorption velocity
- Delayed unit readiness or rework during occupancy
- Premature equipment replacement costs
The Takeaway
Mechanical issues introduced during installation or commissioning can remain hidden until units are actively occupied.
Continuous performance visibility during the post-construction phase provides owners with earlier opportunities for intervention, helping protect leasing timelines, maintenance budgets, and long-term equipment reliability.
