City of The Colony TX water heater requirements

July 30, 2008

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 The Colony TX licensed master plumber and inspected by a licensed plumbing inspector.

The Colony Texas Water Heater Installation Requirements:

All water heater installations require permits. Plumbing contractor must be registered with the City of The Colony. Installation of water heaters shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 20, 24 and 28 of the 2003 International Residential Code.

Water heater shall be located and connected so as to provide access for observation, maintenance, servicing and replacement. Water heaters shall not be installed in a room used for storage. Water heaters located in a bedroom or bathroom shall be installed in a sealed enclosure so that combustion air will not be taken from the living space. Water heaters installed in garages having an ignition source shall be elevated not less than 18” above the garage floor. Gas stop must be ball valve type and must be able to shut off by hand. Maximum length of flex gas pipe is 36”. Water heaters installed in attic and garages shall have the water pipes insulated.

Pan required where water heaters are installed in locations where leakage of the tank or connections will cause damage. (Galvanized steel pan having a minimum thickness of 24 gage). Pan drain termination shall extend full size and terminate over a suitably located indirect waste receptor or shall extend to the exterior of the building and terminate not less than six (6) inches and not more than twenty-four (24) inches above adjacent ground surface.

Relief valve required appliances and equipment used for heating or storing water shall be protected by: a separate pressure-relief valve and a separate temperature-relief valve, or a combination pressure and temperature-relief valve, relief valves shall not have a minimum rated capacity for the equipment served and shall conform to ANSI standards 21.22, temperature relief valves shall have a relief rating compatible with the temperature conditions of the appliance to equipment protected. Combination pressure/temperature relief valves shall comply with all the requirements of separated pressure and temperature relief valves. Scald protection shall be installed at a temperature exceeding a 140 degree F, a means such as a mixing valve shall be installed to temper the water for domestic use.

The Colony TX Building Inspection 972-624-3158

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