You may be wondering, “Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in Huntington Beach?”
Currently, Huntington Beach does require a permit for a water heater replacement. The good news is we can pull the permit for you, and it will not slow down any work on our end.
Every few years, Huntington Beach water heater codes change to adopt new installation and safety measures. While implemented to increase your overall home safety, these code requirements can result in extra installation charges.
Some customers scoff at the idea of paying for a permit for a water heater replacement, but the fact of the matter is water heaters can be dangerous if not installed correctly. In fact, water heaters cause more property damage than any other home appliance. And if the unit is not installed to code by a licensed professional and causes damage, your home insurance could reject any claims. That’s why we put a premium on safety and doing everything by the book.
Your expert technician will go over an item-by-item checklist of all applicable safety codes needed for your installation prior to any work being completed, or cost to you.
We try to keep this information as up-to-date as possible, but your Huntington Beach installer can answer any specific questions you have.
Local Water Heater & Plumbing Permits – Hungtington Beach, CA
Water Heater Codes Currently Enforced in Huntington Beach
Approved Location – The majority of water heaters cannot be located in a bathroom, bedroom, or closet (unless the closet is used only for storage of the water heater). This requirement prevents accidents and averts human contact of Carbon Monoxide (CO), small amounts of which spill from gas water heater vents. This is currently enforced in Huntington Beach.
Earthquake Straps – The California Plumbing Code requires water heaters to have two earthquake straps (located on the top and bottom thirds of the tank). As California is classified as an earthquake zone, the majority of Huntington Beach inspectors enforce this for your safety.
Venting – Gas water heaters emit dangerous carbon monoxide (CO), which requires venting for safety. The size of the vent is established by the size of the hot water heater. If the vent becomes hot while operating, there must be adequate clearance from flammable/combustible surfaces. This is actively enforced in Huntington Beach.
Pans and Drains – If the water heater is located in the interior or on a built-in platform with a possibility for damage from leaking water, the city requires a pan be placed under the heater. There is also a CA Plumbing Code requiring a drain line running from the pan to the exterior. Huntington Beach requires this.
Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (P&T Drain) to the Exterior – The CA Plumbing Code requires the P&T relief drain to be run to the exterior. This requirement is in place to prevent accidental scalding when the P&T relief is discharging. This is currently being enforced by Huntington Beach.
Dedicated Water Shutoff – This shutoff is required for use with a hot water heater. The shutoff enables you to turn off the water to the water tank, if necessary, while maintaining water in the rest of the house. This is enforced by Huntington Beach.
Grease pack Gas Valve Replacement – On inspection of your water heater the dedicated gas valve to the tank is also inspected. If the heater has a grease pack valve we will have it replaced. The grease pack valve is known to fail and is not approved by the California Plumbing Code. This item is enforced by Huntington Beach.
Expansion Tanks – In 2008, the California Plumbing Code began to require expansion tanks for a ‘closed plumbing system.’ This system has a backflow preventer between the house and water main. Heated water increases by about 2% causing pressure build-up, with a rapid drop in pressure when a faucet is turned on, causing deterioration of the plumbing, fixtures and hot water heater.
Eventually this can lead to failure of the water heater. Expansion tanks are required on closed systems and it is strongly recommended that you install one if you have a closed system. Huntington Beach does enforce this code.