With the publication of the 2003 UPC all that changed. Another way we used to say it is, “So you won’t wake up DEAD.” That means there is no contact between the air required for combustion, the exhaust gases, including CO 2, and the occupied space. Note: besides obtaining combustion air from outside the building, direct vent appliances are equipped with a sealed combustion chamber. Of course, if no one knows a permit is required, and in my experience most property owners and many “plumbers” don’t, why would they make application for one? As a result, water heaters are sold, most are probably installed incorrectly (see image for one example) and no one knows about it until there is some unpleasantness.īefore the 2003 UPC, the idea of a gas burning water heater in a bedroom or bathroom was anathema the only exception was a direct vent water heater where the combustion air came from outside the space. The requirements are there but enforcement is sometime lacking. Referring to the 2015 UPC Section 502: It shall be unlawful for a person to install, remove, or replace or cause to be installed, removed, or replaced a water heater without first obtaining a permit from the Authority Having Jurisdiction to do so. Something that really surprises those new to the Uniform Pluming Code is that with few exceptions, if you are installing new material on a property, that work is required to be permitted and inspected. Subscribe to Plumbing Group eNewsletters.

Upc 2015 pdf