Updated Carrollton Water Heater installation requirements

The City of Carrollton follows the 2009 IRC code.

Effective September 2007, the Texas State Legislature enacted into the Plumbing License Law additional wording to specifically include water heaters in their list of plumbing fixtures, required by law, to have a plumbing permit issued prior to installation. In addition, the law provides that such installations be done according to current codes by a Carrollton TX licensed master plumber and inspected by a licensed plumbing inspector.

Carrollton Texas Water Heater Installation Requirements:

All water heaters must have an expansion tank for thermal expansion protection installed on the cold water pipe. A 1 ½” deep water heater pan must be approved for application with a ¾” drain line to outside or approved receptor. If water heater installed in garage or attic, all water pipes must be insulated. If it is structurally impossible to install a drain line to the outside, then the pan will be required with a fitting attachment that connects to a water hose, and this fitting must be capped, or to lowest point of garage floor. Pressure relief valve discharge pipe shall discharge outside not more than two feet or less than six inches above ground/floor level, or into an approved indirect waste receptor. It is required to have an isolation valve on cold water pipe of water heater to shut off water. Cold water electric ground wire and clamp must be secured to pipe ahead of shut off valve. Unions on water inlet, outlet and temperature and pressure discharge lines are required (nut on water flex constitutes a union). If water heater is installed in garage it is required that the pan drain pipes to floor or outside. Gas water heaters are required to have upper and lower combustion air installed in a closet area. It is required to have 1” clearance on water heater vent from all combustible materials and observe manufacturer’s specifications. Gas stop must be of ball valve type and must be able to shut off by hand. Maximum length of flex gas pipe is 36”, ½” minimum size.

NEW!! 4/5/11 In existing buildings with attached garages or in which fuel-fired appliances exist, carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Water heater replacement installations shall be scheduled for inspections within 72 hours from when the permit is issued.

NEW!! Due to new manufacterer specifications, most gas water heaters are required to have a sediment trap installed on the gas line to the water heater.

Carrollton TX Building Inspection 972-466-3225

For more information on water heaters and water heater pricing please visit our website.

*This is for informational purposes only and there is no guarantee as to its accuracy, as each city updates codes without notification. Please contact your city for up to date information regarding your project.

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