Water Heater Installations
NOTE: It is the plumber’s responsibility to have the water heater inspected immediately after installation. Failure to receive inspection approval of the water heater immediately after installation could result in the filing of a complaint with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and the issuance of citations.
Replacing Existing Water Heater
- Combustion Air – If the existing water heater did not have combustion air and the structure was built prior to 1980, you will not be required to provide combustion air (if the water heater is gas fired). If the structure was built after 1980 or there has been a history of water heater combustion issues, combustion air must be provided in the upper twelve inches (12”) and the lower twelve inches (12”) of the closet (if the water heater is gas fired). Each vent must be a minimum of one-hundred square inches (100).
- Drain Pan – Drain pans (1½” deep) will be required for any replaced water heater. If the pan can be drained to the outside of a building, a ¾” drain line must be installed that drains to the outside of the building. If there is no way to drain the pan to the outside of the building, you must install a boiler drain with hose bibb threads in the pan. This will allow the occupant to connect a water hose and drain any water accumulating in the pan if a leak occurs. In addition to the boiler drain, you must install: 1) a WAGS valve, 2) a flood stop valve, or 3) an electronic water sensing device that will sound an audible alarm when wet.
- T&P Line – the T&P line must discharge outside of the building between six inches (6”) and twenty-four inches (24”) above the ground with a ninety degree (90°) on the end of the pipe with the outlet facing the ground.
- Flue Vent – Flue vents must have Minimum 1 Inch clearance from any combustible material. Double wall (Type B) vents must be used for any vents that extend through an attic. Single wall vents may only be used in spaces that are not concealed and to a point six inches (6”) below the ceiling that divides the room (or closet) from the concealed space or attic.
- Flex Line – New gas flex line required. The maximum length of a gas flex line is thirty-six inches (36”) and the minimum diameter is one-half inch (½”). An approved gas valve must be installed immediately prior to the flex line.
- Sediment Trap – Sediment trap for gas line is required.
- Location– City ordinance prohibits the installation of a tank water heater in an attic (Tankless are approved). There is an exception that allows water heaters accessible from a full-size door, from the second floor of the building, to be located in an attic.
