Code Upgrades – Water Heaters

If you have an older home and are looking to replace your water heater or take on major repairs to your current one, the building code will require your home be updated to current code requirements. When you call around looking for prices on water heaters and installation you may be quoted a price plus code upgrades.  At Moore’s Plumbing - Mesquite, our plumbers are knowledgeable and experienced.  We will ask you specific questions about your water heater and the age of your home so that gives us an idea of what types of code upgrades could potentially be needed.  This way, you have a more accurate understanding of what could be required. If we have the following information from you, we can best assess any code upgrades that might be required:

• Current tank brand, model, capacity and size
• Any access restrictions
• Size of location area
• Height of water connections
• Type of Venting

City of Mesquite Code Requirements for Water Heater Installations and Replacements

The City of Mesquite follows 2009 International Codes with one additional amendment:

• All water heaters, including those in the garage area, are required to have a water heater pan. A wags valve is required if the pan does not drain to the outside.

Common Water Heater Code Upgrades That May Be Required

Code upgrades are required when you undertake a new installation or major repair.  If your home or water heater is older, here are some of the things you should be prepared for: Expansion Tank - if a plumbing system is closed, an expansion tank is required. Water Pressure Regulator - high water pressure can damage your plumbing and pipes. Dedicated Water Shut Off - this allows you to turn water off to your water heater, but not to your entire house. Venting - if you have a gas water heater, it is required it is properly vented. Approved Location - there are some closed or small areas of a home that may not be suitable for a water heater. In addition, if your water heater is located in a tight space you may need to downsize the tank or invest in a tankless model. The experienced, professional plumbers at Moore’s Plumbing - Mesquite are the trusted experts for water heater repairs and installations. We offer full manufacture warranties and no-obligation free in home estimates where we will help determine if code upgrades might be required, in addition to emergency service. Give us a call at 972-342-3709.