FHA water heater question

[Charles Cales]

does anybody know what my responsibilities regarding water heater are for FHA, it is functioning and heating the water, but it is inside the house? it says in the manual that if the water heater is in the garage i need to check to see if it meets local codes? is that opposed to being outside? i can imaging that being inside it must require some sort of safety machanism that stops hot water from shooting into the house?? should i just play it safe and require an inspection by a qualified plumber?? Anyone have any thoughts, this is only my second FHA and i dont want to screw it up.

Thanks in advance

Charles

 

[Rufus]

It should have a pressure relief value connected to a pipe that goes to the floor. This prevents being sprayed in the face with hot water if the water heater discharges due to too much pressure. Also, if it is a gas water heater it should have a metal vent hood that goes up through the ceiling to the roof. Improper venting can allow fumes to accumulate in the home.

 

[incognito]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that a gas water heater in the garage must also be on a pedestal, 12" (?) above the ground, to prevent ignition of any accumulated flammable gasses or fumes.

 

[Mr Rex]

Gas water heaters must be on a stand 18 inches off the floor and have an expansion tank, and in enclosed spaces will require intake (combustion air). The T&P should be piped to within 6 inches of the ground. Straps required in earthquake zones.

 

[Charles Knutson]

Do gas water heaters need to have the burners turned on to meet FHA requirements -- or is a water pressure test be enough?

I stipped a 4 plex where the water heaters were off at the time of the original inspection, and need to sign off on them so the loan can be funded -- waiting to reinspect until the agent makes sure they are on and functioning properly.

 

[Rufus]

Do gas water heaters need to have the burners turned on to meet FHA requirements -- or is a water pressure test be enough?

From Appendix D

Turn on the hot water to ensure that the water heater is operating appropriately.

I think "operating appropriately" implies the water is hot.

 

[Greg Bell]

Water needs to be hot...

 

[RSW]

I did an FHA yesterday where I have to condition the report for the repair of the pressure release value (no pipe going to the gound) and also the water heater was turned off and I called for an inspection. It right there in the handbook.

 

[Mike Hayes]

Gas water heaters must be on a stand 18 inches off the floor and have an expansion tank, and in enclosed spaces will require intake (combustion air). The T&P should be piped to within 6 inches of the ground. Straps required in earthquake zones.

Can you tell me where to find this verbiage, so I can show it to the lender.

Thank you.

Mike Hayes

 

[Mr Rex]

[FONT=Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Water Heaters [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]http://www.HUD.gov/images/common/hgv-fmt-btmright.gif [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chapter 1[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Appraisal & Property Requirements[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Page 1-27[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Requirements: [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1. All water heaters must have a non-adjustable temperature and pressure-relief valve.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2. The water heater must comply with local building codes regardless of its location.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3. Rental water heaters are not acceptable. [/FONT]