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Water Heater Installation and Clearances-I
- Thread starter DavenportBoston
- Start date
DavenportBoston
REGISTERED
Mr. Inspector
SAWHORSE
Eletric, gas, coal? In either case I would say per manufactures installation instructions.
I would say that you do not have the clearance to remove/replace the water heater without moving another "appliance", as in the washer/dryer.
Whether the washer/dryer is an "appliance" could be debated. I would not allow this in new construction, but I would be flexible in a remodel with existing constraints.
The main problem is that they are connected either to water lines and a drain line, or an exhaust duct, so moving them to service the equipment is not only inconvenient, but could result in damage to either system if you aren't careful.
Best advice is to talk to your local inspection office and see what they think.
Whether the washer/dryer is an "appliance" could be debated. I would not allow this in new construction, but I would be flexible in a remodel with existing constraints.
The main problem is that they are connected either to water lines and a drain line, or an exhaust duct, so moving them to service the equipment is not only inconvenient, but could result in damage to either system if you aren't careful.
Best advice is to talk to your local inspection office and see what they think.
Last edited:
201.4 - Terms not Defined
Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
Webster's Dictionary
Appliance (noun)
ap·pli·ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s
1
: a piece of equipment for making a tool or machine suitable for a special purpose : attachment
2
: a device designed for a particular use
a fire-fighting appliance
an applianceserving as an artificial arm
3
: a household device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) or piece of office equipment that runs on gas or electricity
Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
Webster's Dictionary
Appliance (noun)
ap·pli·ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s
1
: a piece of equipment for making a tool or machine suitable for a special purpose : attachment
2
: a device designed for a particular use
a fire-fighting appliance
an applianceserving as an artificial arm
3
: a household device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) or piece of office equipment that runs on gas or electricity
Are all the appliances electric?
Is the proposed appliance a stackable W&D? Will the lessee have access to the water and power shut-offs?
Water heater will require manufactures clearances, in an apartment will there be trays below the appliances?
Not on topic, but curious where the electrical panel is located and access?
What's your ADA unit look like? Access to appliances?
Is the proposed appliance a stackable W&D? Will the lessee have access to the water and power shut-offs?
Water heater will require manufactures clearances, in an apartment will there be trays below the appliances?
Not on topic, but curious where the electrical panel is located and access?
What's your ADA unit look like? Access to appliances?
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
2018 IPC
PLUMBING APPLIANCE. Water or drain-connected devices intended to perform a special function. These devices have their operation or control dependent on one or more energized components, such as motors, controls or heating elements. Such devices are manually adjusted or controlled by the owner or operator, or are operated automatically through one or more of the following actions: a time cycle, a temperature range, a pressure range, a measured volume or weight.
[M] WATER HEATER. Any heating appliance or equipment that heats potable water and supplies such water to the potable hot water distribution system.
501.4 Location.
Water heaters and storage tanks shall be located and connected so as to provide access for observation, maintenance, servicing and replacement.
502.5 Clearances for maintenance and replacement.
Appliances shall be provided with access for inspection, service, repair and replacement without disabling the function of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or removing permanent construction, other appliances or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working space not less than 30 inches in length and 30 inches in width (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance.
[M] ACCESS (TO). That which enables a fixture, appliance or equipment to be reached by ready access or by a means that first requires the removal or movement of a panel, door or similar obstruction (see “Ready access”).
PLUMBING APPLIANCE. Water or drain-connected devices intended to perform a special function. These devices have their operation or control dependent on one or more energized components, such as motors, controls or heating elements. Such devices are manually adjusted or controlled by the owner or operator, or are operated automatically through one or more of the following actions: a time cycle, a temperature range, a pressure range, a measured volume or weight.
[M] WATER HEATER. Any heating appliance or equipment that heats potable water and supplies such water to the potable hot water distribution system.
501.4 Location.
Water heaters and storage tanks shall be located and connected so as to provide access for observation, maintenance, servicing and replacement.
502.5 Clearances for maintenance and replacement.
Appliances shall be provided with access for inspection, service, repair and replacement without disabling the function of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or removing permanent construction, other appliances or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working space not less than 30 inches in length and 30 inches in width (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance.
[M] ACCESS (TO). That which enables a fixture, appliance or equipment to be reached by ready access or by a means that first requires the removal or movement of a panel, door or similar obstruction (see “Ready access”).