The following is a suggested list of requirements for installing a water heater. Incorrectly installing a water heater could cause damage and even death, We recommend water heaters be installed by licensed plumbing professionals.
Water Heater Permits are usually required when replacing or installing a water heater. Be sure to check with your local Building Department to see if you require a building permit. A water heater permit and inspection is cheap insurance that your water heater was installed properly.
Water Heater Drain Pan is required if the water heater could cause damage if it leaked. This means if the water heater is in the kitchen, attic or even in a closet next to carpeted area, a drain pan should be installed and drained to a safe place. This will save you a lot of trouble and money when the water heater leaks which it will do
Water Shut Off Valve is required so don't try and save a few dollars by not replacing it if it doesn't easily shut off completely. There is nothing worse than trying to stop your home from flooding and a valve that won't work. Ball Valve are a great choice they shut off completely in 1/4 of a turn.
Electrical Breaker is required to shut power off to the water heater. The breaker must be dedicated only to the water heater and may be located in a electrical panel in another portion of the building. Check local codes for more information
Earthquake Strapping is required in most states and protects the water heater from falling or shifting in a earthquake. When a water heater moves in a earthquake it can break the gas or water lines causing even more damage. I recommend using a 2x4 or other solid backing behind the heater and engineered earthquake straps. Most perforated metal tape (plumbers tape) does not meet minimum standards for earthquake strapping, The water heater is to be strapped at the top 1/3 of the heater no closer than 10 inches from the top and the lower 1/3 no more than 3 inches above the gas control valve. When the water heater is strapped you should not be able to move the water heater.
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve cannot be reused. After installing a new TPR valve be sure to properly pipe the discharge from the TPR valve to a safe location, Uniform Plumbing code requires the discharge to be no closer that 6 inches from the ground and no more than 24 inches. Many localities require the discharge to be piped to the outside of a building.
The Upper Thermostat is located below this cover. The upper thermostat controls the water heater turning off and on and also controls the lower thermostat.
The Lower Thermostat is located below this cover and controls the temperature in the lower portion of the tank
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