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 Stands are required for non Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant water heaters this means the water heater must be raised to 18 inches above the floor to the pilot light or burner which ever is lower. If the heater is a Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant water heaters it is not required to be raised by the Uniform Plumbing Code but may be required by your local Building department
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.
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.
Flexible Gas Supply Connectors are recommended to help prevent damage during a earthquake. Check to make sure the gas valve opens and closes easily. Be sure to check for gas leaks after installing the gas flex connector and or operating tha gas shutoff valve. Gas shut off valve sometimes develop leaks after being operated. Never use a match or flame to check for gas leaks use a solution of mild dish soap and water.
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.
Flue Piping must have proper clearance to combustibles single wall flue pipe must have 6 inches clearance to combustibles and type "B" double wall must have 1 inch clearance. The flue must grade in a upward slope of at least 1/4 inch per foot.. Single wall flue material should be secured with 3 screws at every joint. When installing a replacement heater this is a good time to check that the flue is unobstructed.
Combustion Air this is the air the water heater uses to burn the gas, with out enough air the water heater will not operate properly. New water heater are under strict environmental requirements, If the don't have enough combustion air they will overheat and shut down. Water heaters require 1 square inch of high and 1 square inch of low combustion air for each 1000 btu input rating of the water heater. |
