Water heaters include all devices designed to generate and store hot water for domestic use. Typical domestic uses of water heaters include providing hot water for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and space heating. Several elements of the water heater are observed during the inspection:
- Pressure relief valve and extension pipe. Water heaters have a pressure relief valve and an extension pipe attached to the valve that needs to extend within 6” of the floor and be comprised of proper material.
- Exhaust: the exhaust on water heaters needs a continuous upward slope so the gases expelled from the exhaust do not get trapped indoors. The exhaust ductwork also must be constructed from appropriate materials.
- The exhaust pipe must have no holes, disconnected pieces, or misalignment at connections along the flue pipe that could allow the venting of dangerous gases into the dwelling.
- Check taped joints to ensure the tape does not cover a void in the flue pipe.
Acceptable relief valve discharge piping materials include:
- Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe/tubing
- Copper pipe
- Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing
- Ductile iron
- Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/high-density – Polyethylene (PEX-AL-HDPE) pipe
- Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipe
- Galvanized steel pipe
- Polyethylene/aluminum/ polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) pipe – Polypropylene (PP) plastic pipe or tubing
- Stainless steel pipe (type 304 or 316)
| Def# | Deficiency | Severity | Repair Due | HCV Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pressure relief valve or discharge pipe is obstructed | Severe | 24 Hours** | Fail |
| 1 | Pressure relief valve discharge piping is damaged | Severe | 24 Hours** | Fail |
| 1 | Pressure relief valve has an active leak | Severe | 24 Hours** | Fail |
| 2 | Hot water does not dispense from a faucet or other fixture | Severe | 24 Hours** | Fail |
| 2 | Common Area faucet does not dispense hot water | Low | 60 Days | Pass |
| 3 | Pressure relief valve discharge piping is missing | Moderate | 30 Days | Fail |
| 3 | Pressure relief valve terminates higher than 6” or less than 2” from the floor | Moderate | 30 Days | Fail |
| 3 | Pressure relief valve is damaged, capped, has an upward slope, or is constructed of unsuitable material | Moderate | 30 Days | Fail |
| 4 | Chimney or flue piping is blocked, misaligned, missing, or has a negative downward slope | Life Threatening | 24 Hours | Fail |
| 5 | Gas shutoff valve is damaged, missing, or not installed | Life Threatening | 24 Hours | Fail |
**PBV/HCV Correction Timeframe is 30 Days for this Deficiency
Water Heater Standard V2.2 Updated 6/23/22
Revision:
30
Last modified:
27 November 2023
Post your comment on this topic.
Scott Precourt wrote: May 11, 2023
HUD REAC does not specify what proper materials are in the NSPIRE Standards. However, International Residential Code indicates that the following materials are approved for pressure relief valve extension pipes: Copper, galvanized steel, CPVC, and PEX or PE-RT are all approved. PVC is not approved, because it is not rated for transporting hot water.
Jack Leathers wrote: May 11, 2023
Where can the list of "Proper Material" be found in reference to "Pressure relief valve and extension pipe. Water heaters have a pressure relief valve and an extension pipe attached to the valve that needs to extend within 6” of the floor and be comprised of proper material."