[Shop-talk] more water heater

[Brian Kemp]

I couldn't find a code reference in a quick internet search, but I was 
told by an inspector that it was against code to have a hot water 
shutoff valve on a water heater (assuming a tank type), only a cold 
water shutoff valve that feeds the water heater.  Having a hot water 
shutoff that accidentally got closed may lead to over pressurization of 
the tank and an unexpected boom should the T&P valve fail.

Others on the list may want to consult with their local building 
inspector if considering adding a valve on the hot water side of their tank.

Brian

Mullen, Tim (IS) wrote:
> I cut the hard copper lines and installed threaded fittings on the
> "stubs".  I then added a ball valve to each line, and a "flexible"
> copper line to the tank itself.  It made the installation easy (didn't
> have to try to line up the pipes exactly), and will be even easier next
> time (with the ball valves, I don't even have to turn off the water to
> the house, just close the valves and isolate tank for the rest of the
> plumbing).  The gas line was changed to a flexible one too...