Water Heater Replacement Permit Requirements
This permit will allow replacement of your existing gas or electric water heater in the same location. The following are the minimum requirements that must be met:
- The zoning at the address must be residential.
- The new water heater is being replaced in the same location as the current water
heater.
- Water heaters require two seismic straps; one located within the top 1/3 of the
water heater unit and one at the bottom 1/3. The bottom strap must be located at
least 4" away from the water heater controls.
- The new water heater is between 30 and 150 gallons.
- Water heaters located in a garage must be elevated so the pilot light and controls
are at least 18" above the garage floor surface. if subject to damage, adequate
barriers must be installed.
- Combustion air must be maintained per current California Plumbing Code. When the appliance
is located in an unconfined space (e.g. garage) the combustion air can be used from
that area. When located in a closet, combustion air must be provided at a minimum
of two openings (one at the top and one at the bottom) sized at 100 square inches
each.
- A fuel burning (gas) water heater may not be installed in a sleeping room, bathroom,
bedroom, or clothes closet.
- The vent and the water heater must maintain clearance from combustible materials
such as wall framing or roofing. Generally the minimum distance is 6" for single
wall and 1" for double wall and the water heater, but check the manufacturer's listing
on the materials. The vent shall terminate a minimum 6" above the roof through flashing
at the roof and terminate in a listed and approved vent cap. Vents may require additional
supports depending on the material and design. All single wall and single wall to
double wall joints shall be secured with a minimum of three sheet metal screws,
rivets or similar positive connection.
- All water heaters have a pressure/temperature (P/T) relief valve. The valve shall
be drained to the exterior and terminate toward the ground maintaining between 6"
and 24" of clearance from the ground and pointing downward. The diameter of the
valve opening (generally 3/4") must be maintained to the termination of the drain.
Check the manufacturer's requirements. When approved by the Chief Building Official,
such drain may terminate at other locations (i.e. laundry tub, floor sink, or floor
drain). No part of such drain shall be trapped and the terminal end of the drain
shall not be threaded.
- if located in an attic or furred space (i.e. closet) where leaking could cause damage
to underlying wood framing, the water heater must be set in a pan constructed of
water tight corrosion resistant material. The pan must be fitted with a minimum
3/4" drain that drains to an approved location.
- Tankless water heaters shall be listed by an approved testing agency (UL, UPC, etc.)
and be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
The Water Heater Permit is NOT available if you are:
- Installing the new water heater in a different location.
- Installing a water heater larger than 150 gallons.
Inspections
- A final inspection is required after the water heater has been installed.
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