Richardson TX Water Heater Requirements Updated
Category: Richardson TX
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 Richardson TX licensed master plumber and inspected by a licensed plumbing inspector.
Richardson Texas Water Heater Installation Requirements: (Updated 08/06/2013
The City of Richardson follows the 2012 International Plumbing Code and 2012 International Residential Code.
The City of Richardson Texas requires all water heaters have a walkway, platform, accessibility and clearances. The water heater flue must be secured and supported with proper slope and clearance to combustibles. A horizontal portion of flue can be no more than 75% of total flue height. Draft diverter must be securely fastened to flue and water heater. Combustion air shall be met when required.
If the water heater location is in the garage, it must be in a recessed closet or alcove. All natural gas water heaters in the garage must have the ignition source elevated to 18” above the floor or protected from vehicle impact. Electric water heaters are not required to be elevated. Water heaters located in an attic shall be located no further than 20’ from access opening with a 24” wide walkway and 30” service platform. The walkway and service platform shall be constructed of ¾” solid flooring material. Proper joint support shall be constructed and water heaters must sit on at least a 2 x 4 material perpendicular to joists.
Proper installation of a T & P valve and pan drains: T & P shall be at least ¾” and pan drain shall be at least 1” in size and shall run separately to the exterior or other approved place of disposal. Insulation shields are required where vents pass through insulated assemblies and attic space. The insulation shield shall not terminate less than 2” above the insulation material and secured in place. Gas vent termination shall be at least 8’ from vertical wall and a minimum height above roof line dependent on roof pitch OR shall be at least 2’ higher than any portion of the building within 10’.
An existing water heater does not require a pan and drain on the first floor. If the water heater has an existing water heater drain pan it must be piped to the outside.
An expansion tank is required on a closed loop system.
NEW!! Due to recent changes in manufacturer’s specifications, most gas water heaters require a sediment trap on gas line to the water heater.
City of Richardson TX Building Inspections 972-744-4180
For more information on water heaters and water heater pricing for Richardson TX 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.
