What is the extent of hot water heater inspection?

[mike32716]

From a copy of the Florida building code which is verbatim from the national code. State or local codes can add to the requirements (like requiring metal pipes or exterior discharge).

I can't tell you how many re-inspections I've generated by missing or improperly installed discharge pipes as many of these retrofits are DIY. And not just FHA/USDA. If it is not installed on a conventional appraisal I will still photo and comment on it, and describe the dangers -- kids face gets scalded -- and how cheap the fix is ($20). I add the plumbing code, and state there is no record of a permit for a professional install. I don't stip for it to be installed on conventional, but it puts the lender on notice, and documents a danger. About 80% of conventional underwriters who are usually national will require it to be installed.



504.6 Requirements for discharge piping

The discharge piping serving a pressure relief valve, temperature relief valve or combination thereof shall:

1. Not be directly connected to the drainage system.
2. Discharge through an air gap located in the same room as the water heater.
3. Not be smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the valve served and shall discharge full size to the air gap.
4. Serve a single relief device and shall not connect to piping serving any other relief device or equipment.
5. Discharge to the floor, to the pan serving the water heater or storage tank, to a waste receptor or to the outdoors.
6. Discharge in a manner that does not cause personal injury or structural damage.
7. Discharge to a termination point that is readily observable by the building occupants.
8. Not be trapped.
9. Be installed so as to flow by gravity.
10. Terminate not more than 6 inches (152 mm) above and not less than two times the discharge pipe diameter above the floor or flood level rim of the waste receptor.
11. Not have a threaded connection at the end of such piping.
12. Not have valves or tee fittings.
13. Be constructed of those materials listed in Section 605.4 or materials tested, rated and approved for such use in accordance with ASME A112.4.1.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Saw one yesterday. It was outside in a shiny sheet metal enclosure. I got the owner to open it so I would not risk damaging their shiny mostly unbent door. Older looking water heater, not strapped in. Overflow pipe ended inside the enclosure, and the exhaust flue pipe was rusted through. All client wanted to know was the straps, but I pointed out the rust too and sent on a pic. Why would you do a shiny new enclosure but not fix the other stuff?