Originally Posted By: Frank Magdefrau
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
What is the code, for how wide the walkway should be to the water heater? Frank Magdefrau
What is the code, for how wide the walkway should be to the water heater? Frank Magdefrau
Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Frank,
I am not sure if there is any code that would cover it but some common sense would sure help. You would need at least enough room to get the existing water heater out and put a new one in. You would also need enough room for you to get in and out.
Other than that I would say to check with the manufacturers specs to make sure you have adequate space around the water heater.
Joe Myers
Originally Posted By: jremas
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided with an openening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30"high and 22"wide and not more than 20’ in length when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring not less than 24" wide. A level service space at least 30" x 30" shall be present along the sides of the appliance where access is required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20" x 30", where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance. There also needs to be lighting and a receptacle near the appliance. If it is a gas fired water heater, it gets more complicated. But, then again,… we do not enforce code violations.
–
Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com
570-362-1598
Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jeff,
Ok, where did you pull that from?
Joe Myers
Originally Posted By: Robert Patterson
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
IRC Chapter 13
Bob
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
just goes to show, you learn something new every day
Gerry
Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gerry,
I have never read any of the IRC. I am not a big code fan.
Joe Myers
Originally Posted By: jremas
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Well Joe, Here is some more info…
The state of PA has adopted the International Code from the ICC. For residential application, the International Residential Code (IRC) applies. As of sometime this coming fall, EVERY SINGLE township in the state will have 90 days to either have qualified, certified ICC inspectors enforce the IRC, IBC & so on… OR they have to contract with 3rd party inspectors to do inspections & enforce the codes on all new construction and remodeling. The state will provide a list of 3rd party inspectors that are approved by the state and are ICC certified. BOCA, SCBBI & the ICBO all banded together to form the ICC (International Code Council) They as of last month all 1 organization. There are transitional code coursed for BOCA officials to convert over to ICC. The most recent editions are the ICC 2003 series which came out this month. Finally, in this wonderful state, someone is taking the bull by the horns & raising the standards for construction and remodeling. Prior to this, only larger municipalities had some form of code enforcement. Currently, the testing is still based on the IRC 2000 for certification on residential work. I know we are not code enforcement officials, but we need to be educated on some of the important safety issues that ARE MANDATED statewide. Here is a little example: (there are more details than what I am writing, but) Any remodeling or new construction will require all hardwired smoke detectors, 1 in each bedroom, 1 outside the bedrooms in the common area (hallway) and at least one on each floor. They will be wired in such a manner that if one goes off, they all sound the alarm. Just some FYI.
–
Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com
570-362-1598
Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jeff,
Looks like I have my work cut out for me.
Joe Myers
Originally Posted By: jhagarty
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
edited
–
Joseph Hagarty
HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com
Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865
HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.
Originally Posted By: jremas
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mr Housemaster Joe, So far I see nothing at all in the IRC 2000. I should be getting my copy of the IRC 2003 in the next few weeks as it was just released. I will check for any CO detector reference when it arrives.
–
Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com
570-362-1598
Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe H.
Whether the IRC 2003 references the CO detector at combustionable appliance or not I always advise the client to buy one and place it by the appliances according to the manufacturers instructions. Liability plays a big factor in that since unforseen circumstances can cause CO to be vented into the house which would ultimately come back on you since you were already there for a safety inspection of the house. Don't you think?
Joe Myers
Originally Posted By: jhagarty
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
edited
–
Joseph Hagarty
HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com
Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865
HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.
Originally Posted By: jremas
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree, they should always be recommended.
–
Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com
570-362-1598
Originally Posted By: matthew berman
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi guys, you might want to check with your local ahj. if c o detectors are required.It may fall under local ordinance. Chicago oct.1994 all new single family homes require c o detectors also any existing single family home having a new gas or oil furnace installed. In feb 1999 new jersey requires c o detectors in multiple dwellings, hotels, and boarding homes and optional in single family homes.In rhode island 2001 requires them in new and existing single family homes.A recent law passed in new york requires every one andtwo family home,condo and co op unit sold after dec. 1 2002 to have an operating c o detector (source SNIPS a trade magazine) ------matt
Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe H.
I was simply saying I was in agreement with you that it is a good idea to recommend them, whether they are required or not. I don't know of any where in any of the codes that does require them. 
Joe Myers
Originally Posted By: kbliss
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree with Joe, are we building inspectors or just some people with common sense.
Kurt Bliss
Originally Posted By: Frank Magdefrau
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I knew I could count on you guys,thanks Frank
Originally Posted By: Brian Maloney
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Will CO detectors also have to be hard wired and tied into other CO detector alarms?
Brian
--
Brian Maloney, NACHI
Valley Forge Chapter
Originally Posted By: jremas
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
aas of now, CO detectors are not covered in the code. We will see if they are in the IRC 2003. As always check with your local code authority, they may exceed these requirements.
–
Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com
570-362-1598