Building Inspection Division Hand Outs
Proper Water Heater Installation
The image in the table below is an image map.
Clicking on number in drawing will take you to the corresponding instructions on the right side of the page.
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1) Vent shall extend above the roof surface, through a flashing, and terminate in an approved or listed vent cap which shall be installed according to its listing and manufacturers instructions. Vent height above the roof surface shall be in accordance with Fig. 503.6.6 below (coming soon!) |
(2) Venting system shall consist of approved chimney, Type B Vent, Type L vent (for L.P.), or a venting assembly which is an integral part of a listed appliance. |
(3) The draft hood shall be properly installed and must be the draft hood designed for the water heater. |
(4) A fullway valve shall be installed on the cold water supply to each water heater. If copper water piping is used, there shall be a dielectric break between the copper and any dissimilar metallic tank or piping. (Flexible water heater connections may be used as a dielectric break). | |
(5) Each water heater shall have a temperature and pressure relief valve properly installed and discharged outside the building. The discharge line shall not be smaller than the relief valve outlet, and shall be of galvanized steel, hard drawn copper piping, CPVC, polybutylene cross-linked polyethylene with fittings which do not reduce the internal dimension of the pipe |
(6) T & P shall discharge downward, no more than 6" from grade. | |
(7) Water heater in an attic or furred space shall be installed in a water-tight pan with a min. 3/4" size drain line discharged outside the building. |
(8) Gas valve shall be an approved type and accessible. Connector may be ridged black pipe with a union, or a listed and labeled flexible connector. Electric water heaters shall have a positive means of disconnect at the heater. | |
| (9) All water heaters, gas or electric, installed in a garage or in a closet opening into a garage shall have the pilots or heating elements or switches at least 18" above the floor level. | (10) All fuel-burning water heaters shall be supplied with an adequate supply of combustion air, in accordance with the 2000 International Fuel Gas Code or for one and two family dwellings, the 2000 International Residential Code. If the water heater firebox is located within 10 ft. of central heating and cooling return air opening, or any fan that will adversely affect the venting of the water heater, the combustion air for the water heater must be taken from outside. |
