Tankless On-Demand/Point-Of-Use Appliances

Detail ID 7.0302.5
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 protected from freezing

is accessible for service

will minimize distance between tank and primary hot water outlets

Select freeze protected, safe, efficient and accessible location

  • 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 the appliance can be easily maintained and replaced

  • 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 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

Install fuel supply components per NFPA 31 (for oil) and NFPA 54 (for gas) and manufacturer specifications

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

Install an emergency fuel cut-off switch within reach of the water heater

Safe and effective fuel delivery that provides for emergency fuel cut-off

  • 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

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

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