Hot Water Heaters (Conventional and On-Demand)

Applicable Codes:
2014 Illinois Plumbing Code
2023 National Electrical Code
2024 International Residential Code
2024 Illinois Energy Conservation Code

Please submit the following information:

1. Brand, capacity, and BTUs for the proposed hot water heater.
2. Bonding diagram for water lines.
3. A schematic drawing of the room in which the Hot Water Heater is located that indicates the following:
   • The dimensions of the room.
   • The location of the hot water heater.
   • The distance of the hot water heater to the walls and combustible material.
   • Any electrical features (outlets, switches, service panel, etc.).
4. A copy of the manufacturer’s installation specifications.
5. A combustion air calculation worksheet (if it is a gas-fired, non-high-efficiency appliance).

Significant Building Code Requirements

Fireplaces are to be installed in compliance with the requirements found in the 2024 International Residential Code. Here are some of the codes that pertain to fireplace construction:

Installation Requirements

• Hot water heaters must be installed in compliance with the product listing and manufacturer installation specifications.
• All required clearances to combustibles and workspace clearances must be met.

Exhaust Venting Requirements

• All exhaust venting must be done in compliance with the manufacturer's installation specifications.
• If the hot water heater exhaust vent is to share a chimney with any other appliances, then the chimney vent must be sized to accommodate the combined exhaust volume from all of the appliances served.
• If appliance venting is being removed from a chimney that serves other appliances, the chimney vent may need to have an appropriately sized liner installed to allow for proper venting due to the reduced volume. The liner size will be based on the volume requirements of the remaining appliances.

Combustion Air Requirements

• All conventional (non-high-efficiency) gas-fired appliance installations must comply with the 2024 International Residential Code combustion air requirements.
• Combustion air must be provided from the exterior of the structure and be sized appropriately for the gas-fired appliances present within the space.

Electrical Installations

• All electrical installations must comply with the requirements found in the 2023 National Electrical Code.

Inspections

The inspections listed here are required for most Hot Water Heaters. Additional inspections may be needed based on the scope of work for your project. A complete list of your required inspections will be listed on the Plan Approval Notice that will be attached to the approved plans.