Plumbing code basics are something you should take into account when installing a water heater. It is essential that the appliance is set up in accordance with code regulations, not only because it’s the law, but for your home safety too. Even if you’re replacing an existing heating machine with a similar model and capacity, there is a possibility that regulations have changed since the last time the boiler was installed.
The location where you are going to install your water heater
Placement of the appliance is one of the most significant things that is regulated by law. Where you decide to install your new water heater is important to ensure safety and to minimize the possibility of injury. For example, a gas water heater should be mounted against an external wall of the building for the flue. But always verify the regulations with local officials.
Specific permissions
In fact, you do not need special permits for many minor projects in your house. However, keep in mind that in some states you must have a permit to install a new heater. Also, you might be required to have an inspection by a professional who will check the water heater installation to certify the safety of the building. So, find out whether or not you need additional permits and inspections to save time and prevent you from receiving fines.
Where to find info about plumbing regulations
You have a number of options to become familiar with local regulations. For example, you can search data on the Internet, which has many websites with good information. But if you do this, ensure the information is applicable to your State building codes. Another method is visiting your local library, where you can find copies of relevant plumbing codes. Also, you can ask a certified engineer in your area, who can help you to find the necessary information.
Chimney
If you’re installing an oil or gas water heater, you must think about the flue. A flue is used to minimize the hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning, and to help get rid of wasted gas. Usually, flues can be located on the roof of your home or can be fitted on an exterior wall of your building structure.
About tankless heater
If you are considering installing a tankless water heater, you should review gas and electrical codes in order to ensure everything is working in a proper and safe way.
Many people believe that plumbing codes are not useful for water heater installations. Often people don’t follow the rules because they find them very complicated. But, do you know why such strict requirements exist? They are created to protect humans so follow the rules, and you and your family will be safe. To save time, use the services of Summit Heating & A/C. Our workers know all rules for a safe water heater installation.
If still, you want to install it by yourself then you can follow these easy tips for replacing your gas water heater, or propane, or electric water heater.
What should you do?
- The first thing you need to do is to turn off the gas: make a quarter-turn of the shutoff valve, and turn off the water supply to your home.
- Use a garden hose to drain the water remaining in the tank. Simply attach the hose to the drain valve. Water is very hot in the tank use caution. Then use a wrench to detach the gas line at a near union and twist off the tube from the gas control valve.
- The next step is to unscrew the vent tube from the vent hood and put it aside. Then clip the lines with cold and hot water using a tube cutter, and remove the old appliance.
- Affix the escape valve. Use Teflon tape to cover threads of temperature and pressure safety valves (make 3 turns). Use a pipe wrench to twist the valve into the tank. Attach discharge tube that is made of copper.
- Append pipe assemblies.
- Affix water lines. Put your new heater appliance into place, then extend or cut an old tube to fit the new one. After that, you need to solder valves together with the help of copper slip couplings.
- Reattach the vent pipe.
- Attach the gas line using two wrenches.
- Adjust control for the draft. Almost all water heater appliances use the natural draft to pull combustion fumes up the funnel. In case the draft is not working, exhaust fumes will be spilled into your home. So, you must check the draft after installing the water heater.
- Test your water heater for leaks. Switch on the gas and inspect all connections for leakage by putting a mix of water and dishwashing liquid over connections. If you see small bubbles then you have a gas leak. In this case, reconnect the joint. Have a professional installer check all your work.
- Turn on the pilot light in your water heater and set the temperature.
We hope this information helps you install your new water heater appliance quickly and correctly. However, it is not an easy process for a person who is not proficient in it. So, our company Summit Heating & A/C will be happy to give you some advice or to install the appliance for you. Contact us today for expert advice.
