My old water heater broke down yesterday and I called Home Depot to replace it. The contractor came with the new water heater and before he installed anything.. said that my current water heater setup was not up to code. I assume this is some sort of building code / requirement. I wasn't too sure if it's even possible for him to charge additional fees which was not mentioned to me over the phone by Home Depot. The problem is, if I didn't let him do the work, I'll be without hot water for the next 3 days. ( I also have a baby at home, so not having hot water is IMPOSSIBLE). The additional charge came out to $591.00 + the cost of the water heater. The contractor said, the $591.00 is for labor / parts so that the new water heater is up to California code, includes a permit for the local building inspector to come and sign off if work was done correctly.
My question is... Does the new installation have to meet the new California building code?
My old water heater was install in1979
2007-03-01 08:06:04 · 4 answers · asked by bitiffany168 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
First, understand that the old heater lasted a VERY long time (28 years, well beyond normal) and codes have changed significantly since 1979, for the better. Virtually all code changes regarding hot water heaters have been written to improve safety and energy efficiency. In all likelihood your ventilation setup was not up to current code. Also, you may have been required to have the new heater raised off the floor. There are also new codes regarding various piping connections, backflow preventors, grounding, clearances, and fire hazard issues for both gas and electric heaters. Frankly, the extra $591 sounds like you got off cheap. Don't worry, he wasn't trying to rip you off, he did the right thing and so did you by paying him for necessary work.
2007-03-01 08:31:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it does.
Anytime you upgrade any portion of your property legally, you will need to do it to current code.
So let's say that you decide to replace the electrical system in your home built 50 years ago. Not only will you have to replace the system but you'll be responsible for upgraded conduit, etc.
Pay him and move on. No biggie.
FP
2007-03-01 08:10:59 · answer #2 · answered by F. Perdurabo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Buy one and install it yourself. It couldn't be too hard. Also, water heaters that don't use a tank are getting real popular. They turn on when you turn the tap on, and they heat only the water that you need. They are much smaller and use less energy. They sell them at Home Depot, too.
http://www.tanklesswater.com/
2007-03-01 08:22:36 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
don know
call a few other companies n see how much if any for them to come out to do an estimate
2007-03-01 08:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋