Paul1956 Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 My water heater is close to 17 years old. I've heard that building codes will require a replacement to be 18" off the ground - does that apply to any replacement? I ask because the utility room has a low ceiling by design. If I have to raise it 18" then it's going to be within 12" of the ceiling. Not sure how that makes any sense at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 (edited) My water heater is close to 17 years old. I've heard that building codes will require a replacement to be 18" off the ground - does that apply to any replacement? I ask because the utility room has a low ceiling by design. If I have to raise it 18" then it's going to be within 12" of the ceiling. Not sure how that makes any sense at all.Gas or electric? I ask because I believe it only applies to gas or at least used to. It does apply for replacement. If you were to sell or rent your place they would probably make you do it. The spacing at the top is not important if vented properly. Make sure it's a double wall vent. (Also required by code.) Edited December 10, 2008 by LunaticFringe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipper Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 (edited) It only has to be raised if it's in a garage.flipperps. It's because gas vapors hang out near the floor. And well, sometimes there's gas in the garage and whatnot. Edited December 10, 2008 by flipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbarz Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 It only has to be raised if it's in a garage.flipperps. It's because gas vapors hang out near the floor. And well, sometimes there's gas in the garage and whatnot.I have had two different inspectors make me raise them in utility rooms inside the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgallagher Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I have had two different inspectors make me raise them in utility rooms inside the house.12" from combustibles is acceptable, any closer than that and an inspector will want fire protection on the combustibles (ie: sheetrock, metal flashing... ) I thought it was only in the garage that they wanted it off the ground. They are always changing things, so who knows. If you ever have code questions, you can always call down to the city planning and engineering department and ask to speak to a plumbing inspector. They will answer questions like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipper Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I have had two different inspectors make me raise them in utility rooms inside the house. As you know, we are talking about separate issues flipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 As you know, we are talking about separate issues flipper Exactly. Confusing the ignorance of an inspector with the actual code provision is dangerous. Flipper's explanation of the code AND the reason for it is spot on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul1956 Posted December 11, 2008 Author Share Posted December 11, 2008 Yeah, it's gas, but it's inside the house so I might be ok with a simple replacement. Better make some phone calls though.Gracias all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipper Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 Yeah, it's gas, but it's inside the house so I might be ok with a simple replacement. Better make some phone calls though.Gracias all. You don't have to make any calls. I'm right flipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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