Gas Water Heater In Bathroom Code

Ran into a gas water heater in a small bathroom today.

Gas water heater in bathroom code.

A gas water heater cannot be located in the garage unless it is flammable vapor ignition resistant fvir or elevated 18 inches off the floor to protect against igniting any gasoline fumes that might collect near the floor of the garage fbc p2801 6. Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance or air space to function properly and safely. I m pretty sure this would not meet gas fuel code requirements for appliance locations but wanted to verify. It was not a direct vent type water heater and no fresh air supply vents installed to the bathroom.

The international residential code irc specifically bans a storage closet as a location for a gas water heater. But we regularly see dedicated water heater closets packed full of boxes and brooms and mops during home inspections anyway. Here s the code citation. If the seller did not obtain a permit he is in no position to defend the quality of the installation.

How much does a water heater permit cost. The first permit is for the water heater itself. The vent system for a gas fired water heater must be installed according to local and state codes or in the absence of local or state codes the current edition of the national fuel gas code ansi z223 1 nfpa 54 link to 2012 edition. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater.

The purpose of a permit for water heater installations is to insure compliance with pertinent plumbing and safety codes including the prohibition against placement in a bathroom.