Water Heater Pilot Light

[jar546]

This is a relatively brand new install about a year old and five times including during the summertime. The pilot light went out. The previous natural gas fired water heater that was installed by the same company only lasted one year and had to be replaced. What issues do you see?

 

[BN4537]

Sounds like there isn't any combustion air provided to the space, and the boiler is back drafting the water heater to get combustion air.

 

[e hilton]

WH not elevated off the floor. No overflow pan. Can’t see the t&p, might be correct. No flue pipe for the boiler.

 

[BN4537]

Not elevated off the floor.

I enforced that for years, turns out it's not required (Other TBCF thread.)

 

[TheCommish]

I enforced that for years, turns out it's not required (Other TBCF thread.)

Does the not elevated include garages?

 

[BN4537]

Does the not elevated include garages?

Yes, you do not have to elevate that type of water heater, even if it is in a garage. IRC is the same way.

IFGC 305.3​

Equipment and appliances having an ignition source shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor in hazardous locations and public garages, private garages, repair garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking garages. For the purpose of this section, rooms or spaces that are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit and that communicate directly with a private garage through openings shall be considered to be part of the private garage.

Exception: Elevation of the ignition source is not required for appliances that are listed as flammable vapor ignition resistant.

 

[ICE]

Tool required to operate gas valve. Missing straps top & bottom third. Vent not seated or screwed to draft hood. Missing insulation on first five feet of water pipe. T&P valve was mentioned and it is likely installed however, unless it leaves the room behind the heater, it is not terminated in an approved location.

 

[Inspector Gift]

I agree with BN4537 on the reason for combustion and pilot light problems.


As for other questions:
1. Where is the shut off valve for the water supply to the WH?
2. Is an expansion tank required?
3. Where is the PTR valve and where does it terminate?
4.Is the length of the exhaust duct too short before it connects to the boiler exhaust?
5. How is combustion air provided in the room?
6. Seismic straps would be required here on the west coast.

 

[markw]

How do you know that particular water heater meets that exception?
Looks like a top vent water heater with single wall vent pipe to me.
Does the vent exit through the exterior wall and extend above the roof?

 

[BN4537]

How do you know that particular water heater meets that exception?

Based on the approximate size of the water heater and assuming it was manufactured after 2005. It's hard to find gas fired water heaters that don't meet that exception until you get above 75,000 btus.