Heat Pump Storage Tank Water Heater

Detail ID 7.0302.3
Topic
Water Heating
Subtopic
Water Heater Installation
Desired Outcome

Adequate hot water supplied by a leak free, safe, durable, efficient, and accessible water heater

SF Single Family Site-Built Housing
MH Manufactured Housing
MF Multifamily Housing

Specifications

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Verify current plumbing infrastructure is sufficient to support the installation(s) and is leak-free

Verify adequacy of plumbing

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Select a water heater that:

is ENERGY STAR® certified, equivalent, or better

fits in the installation space with required clearances

provides sufficient hot water for the home and occupants

Select efficient and properly sized water heater

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install appliance where it:

is in conditioned space

is accessible for service

has sufficient volume of air per manufacturer specifications

will not affect indoor thermostat readings or blow directly on occupants

Install appliance where it:

is in conditioned spacea location above the minimum temperature specified by the equipment manufacturer

is accessible for service

has sufficient volume of air per manufacturer specifications

will not affect indoor thermostat readings or blow directly on occupants

Select indoor, safe, and accessible location with sufficient air volume

Select indoor, safe, and accessible location with sufficient air volume

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install water heater in compliance with applicable code (e.g., NFPA 70, IRC, IBC, IMC) and manufacturer specifications

If conflict exists between code and manufacturer specifications, apply the more restrictive requirement

Compliant and safe installation

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Provide a level working space not less than 30" in length and 30" in width in front of the control side of the appliance

Install appliance and plumbing to allow for inspection, maintenance, and replacement of the appliance and its components, without disturbing other installed equipment, controls, piping, and components, other than what requires repair/replacement

Ensure that anode rod is accessible for replacement

Ensure the appliance can be easily maintained and replaced

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install a Temperature and Pressure (TandP) relief valve per the IRC and manufacturer specifications

Pipe the valve to within 6" of the floor or drain pan or to the outdoors and must terminate in an observable location

Select piping material based on IRC requirements

Direct scalding water away from occupants

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

If appliance is installed in or above conditioned space or in a location where water damage could occur, install a drain pan according to the requirements of the IRC

Drain pan to the exterior of the building

Prevent water damage from leaking water

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install a separate water cut-off valve for both the hot and cold water lines

Allow isolation of tank

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install an expansion tank anytime a storage water heater is supplied with cold water that passes through a check valve, pressure reducing valve or backflow preventer

Connect the tank to the cold water supply line at a point that is downstream of all check valves, pressure reducing valves and backflow preventers

Size thermal expansion tanks in accordance with the tank manufacturer's instructions and applicable code (e.g., IRC, IBC)

Protect tank and connected piping from expansion damage or leaks

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install dielectric unions when connecting copper to galvanized steel piping in accordance with the IRC and manufacturer specifications

Prevent corrosion between dissimilar metals

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install heat traps on the inlet and outlet piping where not provided by manufacturer

Reduce thermal loss from convection or siphoning

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Set discharge temperature to not exceed 120 degrees or as prescribed by local code

Prevent biological growth in tank but prevent scalding

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Permanently remove equipment from job site and recycle or dispose of removed equipment and refrigerant in accordance with local and federal law (e.g., EPA Section 608 of Clean Air Act of 1990)

Permanently decommission old equipment

Old equipment is permanently removed from service, protect the environment, and comply with regulation

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Provide occupants/owners with user's manual, warranty information, installation instructions, and installer contact information

Manufacturer supplied information available to occupant