This is Part-1 Of Our Two-Part Article Describing Texas Water Heater Installation – With Plumbing Codes Compliance.  After a Plumbing Permit is issued — the water heater inspection will be performed to ensure the installation is; code compliant, safe, and reliable.

Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.  Additionally, we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar, and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs, and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs gas & electric water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in; Plano, TX; Garland, TX; and Richardson, Texas.  We service all homes in northeast Dallas County and southern Collin County with no additional travel charges.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.

Click Here for Part 2: AlsPlumbing.com Water Heater Installation Texas Code Part 2 (of 2)

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE ALSO DISCUSSES

Safety & Injury + Property Damage

RISKS CAUSED BY:

• A NON-FUNCTION WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE (T&P) VALVE — Caused A Water Heater To Explode in Arizona.

• UNBONDED/UNGROUNDED CSST FLEXIBLE GAS LINES — Causing Texas Home Fires After A (direct or nearby) Lighting Strike.

Water Heater Installation Complying With Texas Plumbing Codes

Plumbing Codes are designed to protect homes and their occupants.  Water heaters are out of sight, and typically given little thought.  When installed correctly (and kept maintained) — they don’t pose an explosion risk.  Installed incorrectly, or neglected water heaters can and sometimes do explode.

The Temperature & Pressure (relief) Valve (known as “T & P Valve”) — Prevents A Water Heater Explosion.

If a water heater malfunctions and continues to heat — the pressure and water temperature (inside the water storage tank) continue to increase.

The T&P Valve Opens If:

• The pressure inside the water nears 150 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).
• Water temperature nears 210F.
• When the T&P valve opens — overly hot and pressurized water safely escapes from the water tank.  Then the valve recloses.

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

Shown: Waster Heater Temperature & Pressure (relief) Valve

NOTE: Occasionally, a brand new water heater has a defective T & P Valve — creating an explosion-risk.

A defective T & P Valve will be caught during the post-installation inspection by the City.

Improperly Installed (or Neglected) Water Heaters Can Explode — Due To A Non-Functioning T & P Valve,

Causing Catastrophic Property Damage, Injury & Death.

The YouTube Video Below Is A Newscast Article About A Water Heater Explosion

This home’s neglected water heater’s T & P Valve had corroded and was stuck in the closed position.  When the water heater malfunctioned and kept heating —  it finally exploded.  The explosion destroyed the house — and sent the water heater into the air,  landing just short of a street intersection.  A few feet further and it could have landed on a car.

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

SHOWN: Pheonix, AZ NewsCast Article About Water Heater Explosion

Click On White Arrow In The Center Of The Image To View The Video

You Can Witness A Water Heater Explosion In The Video Below

(Explosion Occurs Just After Time: 1:38/3:09)

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

SHOWN: Water Heater Explosion Demonstration

The T & P Valve Must Be Inspected Annually — To Ensure It’s Working Safely.

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

Click On The White Arrow Above To See A Failed T & P Valve

The T & P Valve Is Located At Or Near The Top Of Every Water Heater 

During water heater installation, a water pipe must be installed to SAFELY route excess steam and hot water (exiting the T & P Valve) — downward to near the floor.

IF This Pipe Isn’t Installed — Steam & Water Will Exit The T&P Valve Horizontally — From Near The Top.  If someone is in the room at the time — they could be seriously injured or killed.   This is prevented when the water heater installation was Plumbing Code Compliant.  A missing T & P Valve drain pipe would be caught during the post-installation inspection.

Image Source: Shutterstock

SHOWN: The T & P Valve’s Water Pipe (white) Is Located On The Right Side Of This Water Heater.

Water Heater Installations Must Comply With

Current Texas Plumbing Codes

To Ensure The Water Heater Is Working Properly & Safely

Image Source: ShutterStock

SHOWN:  Gas Water Heater Being Installed. 

Note: A Thermal Expansion-Tank Is Shown On The Right

Making Changes To Your Home? 

All Changes Must Be In Compliance With Building Codes In Effect When The Changes Occur.

You Need A Permit For;

• New Construction
• Demolition
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Mechanical (like new HVAC System)
• Structural Alterations (to an existing structure). 
• Significant Interior Remodeling.  Examples: change a building’s existing footprint.  Gutting a room to start over.
• Significant Exterior Remodeling (replacing; roof, siding & windows).

• Build an outdoor structure like a shed, deck, or pool. 

• A permit must be obtained prior to starting the work.
• A Permit triggers City Inspections — to ensure the work is code compliant and safe.

• Home updates must meet current Building Codes in effect when the update occurs.
• Updates/Changes to a home — are legal Only if they met current Building Codes. 

Typically — No Permit Is Needed For Cosmetic Interior Changes That Don’t Change The Home’s Original Structure:

Examples:

• painting
• install floor coverings
• install countertops
• replace a faucet

Source: https://www.bryjo.com/home-remodeling/when-do-you-need-a-home-remodeling-permit/

TIP: This List Doesn’t Cover Everything.

Check With Your Municipality’s Building/Permits Department For Advice On Required Permits.

UnPermitted Changes To A Home Must Be Brought Up To Code — Or Be Removed.

Example:  Removing drywall so an inspector can see electrical and plumbing.

In Texas — A Water Heater Installation Requires A Plumbing Permit 

Since 2007, Texas Requires A Plumbing Permit For A Water Heater Installation.  The Permit is issued by the city where the home’s located.  The permit requires a Licensed Plumber to install the water heater — to ensure compliance with Texas codes + any Local Municipality Plumbing Codes.  The Plumbing Permit requires a post-installation inspection — to verify the water heater was; installed properly and is code compliant.

• Texas Plumbing Codes Are Based On the 2015 International Building Codes (IBC).
• Click Here To See The 2015 IBC For Water Heaters: Up.codes 2015 Chapter 5 – Water Heaters

• NOTE: The 2018 International Building Codes (IBC) may include new requirements that aren’t shown with this link.

Many Municipalities Have Additional Plumbing Codes (In Addition To Texas’)

• This article describes the State Of Texas Plumbing Code requirements for water heater installations. 

• There may be additional water heater installation requirements by the city where the home’s located. 

EXAMPLE-1 : When a GAS water heater installation is inside a garage — Texas code requires a GAS Water Heater Must Be Installed 18″ Above The Garage Floor.  This is because a gas water heater can provide an ignition source for flammable or combustible vapors (such as gasoline).  Many combustible vapors are heavier than air — and sink to the garage floor.  The 18-inch elevation is intended to keep a GAS water heater above combustible vapors near the garage floor.

EXAMPLE-2: Some municipalities require ELECTRIC water heaters to be 18″ above the garage floor. The reason is when an electric water heater turns on, a spark may occur.  This spark could become an ignition source. 

EXAMPLE: Arlington, TX requires an electric water heater to be elevated.  Plano, TX does not.

EXAMPLE-3: Some municipalities require an EXPANSION-TANK to be added to water heater installations.  This tank is designed to accommodate water’s expansion as gets hot.  The extra water moves into the Expansion Tank — and prevents excessive water pressure build-up.   This ensures that no hot water comes from the faucet at a higher pressure than is normal & expected.

EXAMPLE: Frisco, TX and Little Elm (and others) require an Expansion Tank as part of a water heater installation.

Many DFW Homes Have Water Heaters Inside Water Heater Closets (inside the home). 

A Water Heater Installation Inside A Closet — Has Additional Installation Requirements. 

(Requirements May Vary By Municipality).

Image Source: Shutterstock

SHOWN: Water Heater Closet

Water Heater Closets Must Have: 

• An Outside-Air Intake down low — to provide air for gas combustion.

• An Outside-Air Intake up high — to ensure exhaust gases rise up the flue.

• A Drain-Pan (under the water heater) connected to a drain line to outdoors

To Prevent Damage From:

• A leaking water heater.

• Scalding hot water on the floor from the T & P Valve).

• The Water Heater Closet Door Must Be Solid.   Note: Some older DFW homes have open-louvers doors to provide air to the water heater.

• The Water Heater Closet Door Must Be Weatherstripped.

• The closet door must be weather-stripped.

Click The Link Below To See A Photo Of A 

Plumbing Code Compliant Gas Water Heater Installation — Inside Water Heater Closet

WHY A Water Heater Closet Requires The Items Shown Just Above

When Older DFW homes are renovated, some get high-capacity kitchen vent hoods.   Although older homes leak notably more air than newer ones — today’s deluxe vent hoods can remove indoor air faster than the home can leak more air in.  Without A Weatherstripped Door, a deluxe kitchen vent hood can pull a gas water heater’s exhaust fumes down the flue pipe (known as “backdrafting”).

Newer DFW homes can have more extreme backdrafting than older homes because:

• Newer homes are more airtight.  And, the newer the home, the more airtight it is.

• Newer homes often have; high-capacity kitchen exhaust hoods, multiple bathrooms (each with a vent), plus a clothes dryer(s).

• The combined exhaust capacities — can draw air downward through the water heater’s exhaust vent (known as”backdrafting”).

Click The Link Below To See A Photo Of A 

Plumbing Code Compliant Gas Water Heater Installation — Inside Water Heater Closet

2021 International Residential Code (IRC) Requirements For Water Heater Installation

The International Building Code (IBC) is adopted (or in use to some extent) by all 50 states.   With continuing advances in  building-materials & building-sciences — Building Codes continue to evolve and become updated.

The International Building Code (IBC) is updated every 3 years.  When this article was written — The Current IBC is the 2021 edition (known as ICC IBC-2021).  The IBC is a comprehensive code that comprises all; building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel, gas and electrical requirements. 

Click Here To Read The 2021 IBC Codes For Water Heater Installation:  IccSafe.org 2021 IBC Code For Water Heater Installation

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

SHOWN: 2021 International Building Code Manual

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

GAS Water Heater Installation Requirements

• Gas Connector Must Be Accessible.  Most municipalities allow a flexible connector to be installed between the water heater and gas line from the house.  Both the gas connector and gas shutoff valve cannot be concealed.

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

SHOWN: Flexible Gas Connector

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

NOTE:  Flexible Gas Connectors Are Not Required To Be Bonded/Grounded — Because They’re Attached To Bonded Gas Lines.

• Gas Valve: A Ball-Style gas valve is required.  Older style gas valves must be replaced.

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

SHOWN: Ball-Style Gas Valve

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

• Gas Line Sediment Trap.  Its purpose is to trap any sediment or moisture within gas as it flows into the water heater

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

SHOWN: Gas Sediment Trap

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

If Your Home Was Built Between 1988–2009

And Its CSST Gas Lines Are Not Bonded/Grounded,

Your Home & Safety Are At A Substantial Risk Of A Fire

Caused By A (Direct Or Nearby) Lighting Stike.

Image Source: ShutterStock.com

View This Newcast Article About CSST Gas Lines’ Fires In Frisco, Texas.

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

Click On White Arrow In Center Of Image To View Video

SHOWN: Newcast Article About CSST Gas Lines’ Fires In Frisco, Texas.

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See CSST Gas Lines

With Hole(s) Caused By A Lightning Strike:

https://www.jadelearning.com/blog/bonding-corrugated-stainless-steel-tubing-csst-gas-pipe/

If Your Home Was Built Between 1988–2009,

Its CSST Attic Gas Lines Were Likely Not Bonded/Grounded

When The House Was Built. 

• CSST Gas Lines Became Available In The U.S. in 1988. 

• Bonding/Grounding of CSST Gas Lines Became Required By Building Code During 2009.

• On 9/11/2015 — Texas Began Requiring Home Inspectors To Report UnBonded/Grounded Of CSST Gas Lines In Existing Homes.

These Codes (and likely others) Describe How CSST Gas Lines Must Be Bonded/Grounded:

• International Building Code (IBC): 250.104: Bonding of Piping Systems
• International Residential Code (IRC): G2411.1.1 (310.1.1) CSST
• National Electric Code (NEC): 250.104(B)

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser For A: CSST Gas Lines Bonding Manual:

https://www.texasinspector.com/files/CSST_Always_Bond.pdf

The Following Is Found On Page 2 Of The Manual:

7.13.2 CSST.

• CSST gas piping systems shall be bonded/grounded to the Electrical Service Grounding System — (before) where the gas service enters the building.

• The bonding jumper (wire) shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent.

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

SHOWN: Bonding/Grounding Wire Attached To Gas Line (where it comes up from the ground)

Before Where The Gas Service Enters The House (gas enters the house beyond the round, gray, gas-pressure regulator).

Click Below To Learn Much More About The Risks Of UNBonded CSST Flexible Gas Lines:

Alsplumbing.com UNBonded CSST Gas Lines Risk

This was Part-1 of our Two-Part Article describing Texas Water Heater Installation – Plumbing Codes Compliance.  After a Plumbing Permit is issued — a water heater inspection will be performed to ensure the installation is; code compliant, safe, and reliable.

Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.  Additionally, we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar, and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs, and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs gas & electric water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in; Wylie, TX; Rowlette, TX; and Muphy, Texas.  We service all homes in northeast Dallas County and southern Collin County with no additional travel charges.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.