City of Benbrook
911 Winscott Road
Benbrook, TX 76126
(817) 249-3000
(817) 249-0884 fax

ALL WATER HEATERS

• A pan is required on all water heaters that are on the same elevation of the living area.
  • The pan must be at least 1 ½" deep
  • The pan must have a 1" drain line to the outside of the residence or to an approved location.
    • If it is structurally impossible to install a drain line to the outside, then the pan will be required to have a fitting attachment that connects to a water hose, and this fitting must be capped.
    • An alarm shall be installed to sound when activated by the presence of water.
• A pressure relief valve shall be installed
  • The valve shall discharge outside 6-24" above ground/floor level, or as approved by the Building Official.
• Unions shall be installed on the water inlet and outlet.
  • Flex lines are acceptable on the cold and hot water inlets
  • Flex lines are not acceptable be used on pressure relief valves.
• Water heaters shall have a shut off valve on the cold water pipe of the water heater to shutoff the water supply.
• Water heaters installed in garages and attics must have the water pipes insulated.
• Water heaters installed in the garage must be elevated 18" off the garage floor unless the water heater is a sealed unit.
• If the cold water line is being used for an electrical ground, then the cold water electric ground wire and clamp shall be secured to the pipe prior to the shut off valve.
• Gas water heaters shall comply with the above regulations as well as the following:
  • If the water heater is installed in a closet with a louvered door, the door shall be sealed with non-combustionable material.
  • Fresh air shall be provided
    • For lower combustion air, by means of a single metal wall duct.  The duct shall be within 12” of the floor and shall extend 6” above the insulation in the attic .
    • For upper combustion air, by a metal box installed in the ceiling of the room. The size of the opening shall be calculated at 1” for every 4000 BTU/h of total demand.
  • The water heater must have a minimum of 1" of clearance on the water heater vent from all combustible materials and must observe manufacturer’s specifications.
  • The gas stop must be of a ball valve type and must be able to be shut off by hand.
  • The maximum length of a flex gas pipe is 36" and must be sized according to the demand of the water heater.