HomeProPlumber
This article details the Plumbing Codes for a new water heater installation in Texas. HomeProPlumber provides full service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home. We sell & install Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters. We are near your home in Plano, Allen, Frisco, and McKinney Texas. We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no additional travel-charges. HomeProPlumber in Plano, Texas also 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 (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).
Call us today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing. We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service
Texas Water Heater Installation Codes — Part 2 of 2
Image Source: ShutterStock
Click Here to see the 2015 Texas Plumbing Codes: IBC Codes 2018 Chapter 5 – Water Heaters
Note: Texas Code Is Based On The 2018 International Building Codes (IBC).
GAS WATER HEATER INSTALLATION CODE
(continued from Part 1)
Air-Intake Ducts:
Water Heater Code requires a water heater installation inside a closet (inside living space) must include two outside-air intake ducts installed inside the water heater equipment closet:
- one duct near the ceiling — this duct mostly provides air for the exhaust gases to vent out safely.
- one duct near the floor — this duct provides air for gas combustion while the water heater is heating.
- Building Codes allow combustion air to be provided from the attic, so vents can be installed in the water heater closet’s ceiling. These vents are pipes that drop down from the attic into the closet. One pipe is near the ceiling and one pipe drops low into the closet. **
- The last step is weather stripping the door.
- The weather stripping keeps venting devices (such as bath vents, & dryer) from taking air from the closet.
- The weather stripping also keeps heated or cooled air from escaping through the air-intake vents that serve the water heater.
- Once the water heater closet door has a tight seal (when latched closed) the gas-combustion appliance is considered outside of the building-envelope.
- A building envelope is the physical separator between conditioned (heated & cooled) air and the outdoor environment.
** Source: https://www.squarehouse.net/blog/2012/6/24/water-heaterfurnace-closet.html *** Souce: https://www.drenergysaver.com/about-dr-energy-saver/news-and-events/27082-my-attic-and-upstairs-are-too-coldtoo-hot.html
Why 2 Ducts? Carbon Monoxide Risk. If sufficient combustion-air & exhaust-air supply is not available, the exhaust won’t rise up the flue and out of the house. Without sufficient air, the gas combustion will draw air down the flue — that air has carbon monoxide in it.
Click Here To See A Photo Of Code-Compliant Gas Water Heater Installation: Gas Water Heater Installation – Texas Code Compliant
Gas Water Heater Installation Location:
Texas Plumbing Code regulates where a water heater installation can be located. Gas water heaters cannot be installed in bedrooms or converted garages. If installed in a closet, the closet must have a weatherstripped door. The water heater cannot be installed in any room with a furnace. In a newly built home in DFW, there are only 3 places for a gas water heater: garage, attic or a sealed water heater closet inside the living space. This plumbing code prevents human contact with trace amounts of Carbon Monoxide (CO) released from a gas water heater.
Flue Exhaust-Pipe: Double-Wall Metal Vent Pipe
A gas water heater installation must be equipped with a double-wall vent pipe that is located at least 1″ from combustibles. The vent must slant upward at all points, with no more than 1 offset (change in pipes direction) of more than 60 degrees. All other offsets must be 45 degrees or less. The vent must be at least five feet long and terminate in an approved vent cap. Why? The exhaust gases must always be moving upward toward the roof. If the vent pipe is level, the gases won’t rise. This is why there are limits on how much of an angle the vent pipe must always be.
- Double-Wall (Type B) Metal Vent Pipe For Exhaust. The rise-length of the metal pipe (above the roof) may vary by municipality. It’s often 5 feet between the water heater’s vent hood (attached to top of water heater) and vent cap (on the roof outside the home).
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SHOWN: Double-Wall Vent Pipe
Water Pipe Insulation:
Water Pipe Insulation: Code requires the first 5 feet of hot & cold water pipes be insulated when the water heater is in unconditioned (not cooled or heated) space. In Texas, water heaters installed to code are always in unconditioned space.
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SHOWN: Foam Water Pipe Insulation
ELECTRIC WATER HEATER INSTALLATION CODE
Electricity Disconnect:
Building Code requires a Means Of Disconnecting Electrical Appliances (Rated Up to 300 Amps) When They Are Permanently Connected. 
Image Source: CanStockPhoto
Residential water heaters are typically 4,500 – 5,500 watts. AMPS = WATTS divided by VOLTS. 4,500 / 240 = 18.75 AMPS
When Electric Water Heaters Can Be Disconnected Using Their Circuit Breaker
Water Heater Code Requires An Electric Water Heater H
A Separate Disconnect (quite near the water heater) unless:
- The water heater’s circuit breaker is within view from the water heater (within 50 feet & with an unobstructed view)
OR
- There is a proper locking device present present on its circuit breaker (if circuit breaker panel is not within view of the water heater)
WHY? If electricity were turned on during water heater service, an electrical shock or electrocution could occur.
LockOut Devices That Can Be Used On A Water Heater’s Circuit Breaker If Required By Code
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Shown: Circuit Breaker Lock-Out Device
Note: The lockout device will not interfere with the operation of the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker trips, the power is shut off regardless of whether the breaker’s handle is allowed to move or not.
Note: A padlock is required, but code does not require the label as shown above. The label is to clarify why the padlock and locking-device are present.
Codes That Apply To ALL Water Heaters
Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve
Water heater code requires a Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relieve Valve Be installed On Every Water Heater. The T & P Valve will open at a predetermined pressure (150 PSI in most cases) and/or a predetermined temperature (210F in most cases). The valve allows pressurized hot water to escape from the tank until the pressure and/or temperature drops below the valve’s pre-set levels. Then the valve recloses. WHY? Without a properly functioning T& P Valve, a water heater will explode if it malfuctions and continues to heat.
Click Here To See A Home Destroyed By An Exploding Water Heater: Arizona Home Destroyed By Exploding Water Heater
Shown: T&P Discharge Pipe Runs From The Valve (on top) To The Side Of The Water Heater And Downward
Water Heater Code requires the discharge piping serving a T & P valve shall be one size larger than the size of the T&P valve outlet, where the relief valve discharge piping is installed. The outlet end of such tubing shall be fastened in place.
WHY? The discharge pipe routes the hot water toward the floor. Without the discharge pipe, the hot water would spew (in all directions) from near the top of the tank.
Drainage Pan – For All Water Heaters Located Where Water Causes Risks
Many DFW homes have a water heater(s) in their attic. Since most water heaters start leaking water when their water storage tank cracks, the water released can cause scalding of anyone walking below the water heater once it’s leaking. Additionally, ceilings can become water damaged.
- GAS
Code for GAS Water Heater requires a metal drain-pan under the water heater if it is installed in an area where water can cause damage. Where a GAS water heater is installed in a location where water leakage from the tank will cause water-damage, the tank shall be installed in a galvanized steel pan having a material thickness of not less than 0.0236 inch WHY? Water Can Cause Scalding Risk or damage to the home.
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Shown: Metal Water Heater Drain Pan. Can be used for gas or electric — metal required for gas.
- ELECTRIC
Code for an ELECTRIC water heater can a plastic drain pan (not less than 0.036 inch in thickness). A plastic pan shall NOT be installed beneath a gas-fired water heater.
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Shown: Plastic Water Heater Drain Pan (for electric water heaters only)
Thermal Expansion Tank
Image Source: ShutterStock
Shown: Thermal Expansion Tank Installed For Water Heater
Water Heater Code requires a Thermal Expansion Tank be installed where the water heater is supplied with cold water that passes through:
- a check valve
- pressure-reducing valve
- backflow-preventer
In these 3 cases, a thermal expansion tank shall be connected to the water heater’s cold water supply pipe in a location beyond these devices. Thermal expansion tanks shall be sized in accordance with the tank manufacturer’s instructions and shall be sized correctly for the water pressure. A water heater can stress plumbing due to the normal thermal expansion of water when it’s heated. It’s estimated that 50 gallons of cold water expands to 52 gallons when heated to 120°F. The water heater creates extra water-volume each time it heats the water. The extra water volume can create excess pressure in the plumbing system, possibly causing damage to the water heater and the water pipes. The water heater thermal expansion tank provides a place for excess water volume. When the water (inside the water heater) heats up and expands, the additional water moves into the thermal expansion tank. When the water (inside the water heater) cools, the water is moved from the thermal expansion tank back into the water heater’s storage tank.
WHY? The Thermal Expansion Tank eliminates pressure (from water expanding as it’s heated) from putting stress on the water heater and the water pipes connected to it.
Electrical Bonding Of The Water Heater’s Water & Gas Pipes
Click Here To See A Photo Of Water Heater Bonding: Photo Of Water Heater Bonding
Note: This Same Wire Can Also Bond The Gas Pipe To A Gas Water Heater.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that a metal underground water pipe that is in direct contact with the earth for 10 feet or more is to be used as one of the grounding electrodes for the building’s electrical service. A metal water piping system must be bonded back to the electrical service ground wire. The Electrical Service Panel (Breaker Panel) has a wire that carries electricity into the ground (the earth) to eliminate the risk of shock or electrocution in the event of a short circuit. A ground connection is a bare copper wire that connects inside the Breaker Panel to a ground-rod driven into the earth (near the service panel) or to metal rebar in the home’s foundation. This final ground connection (with the earth) allows stray electrical current (such as a surge created by lightning) to pass safely into the soil surrounding the house.
Why Electrical Bonding & Grounding Are Required For Your Safety
A short-circuit occurs when electricity starts going somewhere it’s not intended to go. Electricity will always take the shortest path. If a short-circuit occurs, the electricity uses that path instead of the path it’s intended to travel. Avoiding short-circuits is why trees are cut away from overhead electrical wires. If any part of the tree touches an overhead electrical wire, it creates a short-circuit occurs and the tree becomes energized with electricity (electricity is flowing through the tree and then into the earth). This short-circuit will continue until the tree no longer touches the wires. Often the tree will catch on fire.
Click on the white arrow in the center of the image below to see a short-circuit caused by a tree and power line touching each other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAteBqMYYZ4 Without Grounding, YOU Can Become Energized With Electricity if you become part of a short circuit! This is why you should never break off the 3rd prong on a grounded electrical cord. It’s there to safely carry electricity away and into the ground (the earth). The ground plug was installed to ensure you don’t get shocked or electrocuted should you become part of a short-circuit. 
Shown: A Grounded Electrical Cord Has The Rounded 3rd Prong.
Electrical Bonding Of Water & Gas Pipes — Continued
Water Heater Code Requires Bonding Of Hot & Cold Water Pipes AND The Gas Piping With 6 AWG Wire + Clamps.
American Wire Gauge (AWG) = The Wire’s Diameter Size)
Bonded is not the same as grounded. Bonding is connecting different systems together. This is done to reduce the chance of arcing caused by a sudden surge of electricity from a nearby lightning strike, or other unexpected cause, such as a damaged electrical wire. **
Bonding Prevents Electrical Energy (from lightning or degraded electrical wires) From Energizing (metal) Water Pipes.
- Metal water pipes are required by code to be electrically bonded.
- Bonding of water pipes is usually accomplished by connecting metal water pipes to the grounded neutral at the Electrical Service Panel (circuit breaker panel). The grounded neutral is a wire that routes electricity into the earth if an electrical short-circuit occurs.
- Bonding between the cold & hot water pipes is located at the water heater. The wire (often called a jumper wire) completes the electrical bonding between the hot & cold water pipes.
- Electrical arcs can easily start fires. Additionally, an electrical arch between water pipe and Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) Gas Piping has been known to create pin-holes in the CSST. If pin holes are created they allow gas to escape. This can cause an explosion, or added fuel to an existing fire. We discussed this in detail at the end of Part-1 of this article.
Click To See An (enlarged) Pin-Hole In CSST Gas Piping — Caused By A Lighting Strike On Or Near The House: Pin-Hole In CSST Gas Piping
WHY? Water pipes energized with electricity create shock & fire hazards.
** SOURCE: http://hawleyhomeinspectionsllc.com/bonding-required-water-gas-csst/ *** SOURCE: https://www.thespruce.com/water-heater-bonding-wire-4125747
Cold Water Shut-Off Valve At Water Heater
Image Source: CanStockPhoto
Shown: Water Heater Installation With Shut Off Valve For Both Cold & Hot Water Lines
Water Heater Code requires a separate shut-off for the cold water supply at the water heater. This shut off allows water to be turned off to only the water heater, while the rest of the house continues to have cold water service. 606.2 Location of shutoff valves. Shutoff valves must be installed in the following locations:
- On the water supply line to each plumbing fixture (other than bathtubs and showers).
- On the water supply pipe to each sillcock (outdoor water faucet).
- On the water supply pipe to each appliance or mechanical equipment.
- Installing a dedicated water shutoff for water heater that allows water to be turned off water to only the water heater, not the entire home.
- Individual water supplies shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the applicable state and local laws. Where such laws do not address all of the requirements set forth in NGWA-01, individual water supplies shall comply with NGWA-01 for those requirements not addressed by state and local laws.
Type Of Shut Off Valve
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Shown: Ball-Valve Style Water Shut-Off Valve. Ball-Valves always have a lever handle.
National water heater code does not specify which type of value must be installed. Ball Water Valves may be specified in a local municipality’s plumbing code.
WHY? Gate Valves (with a round handle) Are More Prone To Failure
Gate water valves are more prone to failure. Failed gate valves won’t shut off completely, or shut off at all. The details are below.
- When closing a gate water valve, the shut-off device comes downward as the valve is turned off.
- It’s common for debris to get in the way, resulting in the valve’s inability to close completely.
- Because all the parts inside are brass, corrosion occurs over time, and can “freeze” the valve (not allowing the handle to turn).
- Ball valves have a plastic or stainless-steel ball with a hole in the ball’s center (where the water flows through).
- Debris does not have a place to settle like in the bottom of a gate valve.
- Because the ball is plastic or stainless-steel, corrosion is quite limited.
- These features make ball valves more long lasting and reliable.
Ball valves have offer benefits not found in a gate valve:
- The user can see at a glance if the valve is open or closed.
- When the handle aligns with the direction of the water pipe, the valve is open.
- When the handle is perpendicular to the pipe, the valve is closed.
- The stem (the shut off lever is attached to) is sealed by a rubber O-Ring under nut.
- Ball valves are notably less prone to failure than gate valves
HomeProPlumber
This article details the Plumbing Codes for a new water heater installation in Texas. HomeProPlumber provides full service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home. We sell & install Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters. We are near your home in Murphy, Rowlette, and Wylie, Texas. We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no additional travel-charges. HomeProPlumber in Plano, Texas also 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 (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).
Call us today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing. We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service