Existing Gas Water Heater

[Steve Lewis]

I contacted FHA and they couldn't give me an answer. We have a house with a gas water heater put in in 1998, (house built in 1979). It does not meet current 18" standards, but since it is existing construction, does that repair need to be called for. I have searched these forums and cannot get a straight answer and I have searched HUD clips and I am about to pull my hair out. I understand it needs to meet local building codes, but what is FHA's actual stand?
Can anyone give a black and white answer??

Thanks

 

[RSW]

I would call for a repair if it is clear that it does not meet local building codes.

 

[hglenbetts]

Hello Tennessee.

Steve, welcome.

Different States, Different building codes. So, what is the 18" standard refer to? I'm just curious...

 

[RSW]

I believe it is 18' off of the ground if it is in a garage.

 

[Kevin A. Spellman]

The spirit of the government back loans is always the safety and welfare of the occupants. If the water heater does not meet the minimum code requirements, the person who has made this determination should be able to describe the correction. An appraiser measures the home for the GLA and not to state or quote building codes.

 

[RSW]

This came up on a thread a couple of weeks ago. Something about the gas fumes in the garage stay to the ground and a pilot light from a gas water heater could ignite the fumes. That is a safty hazard to me.

 

[RSW]

Sorry to double post but here is the link to the other thread.

http://appraisersforum.com/showthread.php?t=138351&highlight=water+heater

 

[hglenbetts]

I believe it is 18' off of the ground if it is in a garage.

No wander I didn't know what you were talking about. If we placed our water heaters in the garage, here in Michigan, we'd have nothing but ice water 4 months per year.:icon_mrgreen:

 

[RSW]

No wander I didn't know what you were talking about. If we placed our water heaters in the garage, here in Michigan, we'd have nothing but ice water 4 months per year.:icon_mrgreen:

That might not be a bad thing in the middle of the summer!

 

[G-man]

You're not THAT far north.

No wander I didn't know what you were talking about. If we placed our water heaters in the garage, here in Michigan, we'd have nothing but ice water 4 months per year.:icon_mrgreen:

I just completed a CIR for a split level with a water heater in the garage. First time I've called for one to be 18" of the ground. Didn't really know it was a safety hazard. There's a first time for everything.