How to Make Sure Your Gas Water Heater is up to Code in California!
Ensuring your water heater is up to code is one of the many important things to know as a homeowner or homebuyer. Especially in California where you have to take seismic activity (earthquakes) into account. So by ensuring your water heater is up to code you could ensure safety inside the home for you and your loved ones. How to ensure water heater is up to code? We are here to help inform you and give you the best insight from certified home inspectors of over 25 years.
1. Seismic Straps
Ensure your water heater has two seismic straps. One located on the top third and one on the bottom third of the water heater. This helps and protects your water heater from any side to side & forward movement.
2. Bracing
You want to ensure you brace the rear of the water heater in any instances that there is a gap between the water heater and the back wall.
3. Flex Gas-line
This is the line that carries gas to your water heater, it should be accordion style and yellow coded. This protects your home from any seismic activity (earthquakes) where the gas line could be compromised/break.
4. Plumbing Pipe for Pressure Relief Valve
Supposed to run within 6 inches of the bottom of the water heater. If your water heater were ever to build up pressure it would expel scolding hot water from this valve.
5. Vent Flue
Any gas water heaters require a vent fleu that runs through the roof. This serves as an exhaust system for your water heater. This needs to be 18 inches off of the floor if it is located in your garage.
6. 18 Inches off the Ground
Your water needs to be at least 18 inches off the ground if it is to be stored in your garage area. Gas is heavier than oxygen so for this reason ignitable gasses tend to come together and sit at/ near the floor. Ensuring your water heater is elevated protects you against this usual occurrence.
7. Water Heater Closets
If your water heater has its own designated closet it requires ventilation. Generally one vent towards the top and one vent towards the bottom.
