Can I bring my water heater up to code with out hiring a plumber?

Question

Our home waranty company said they will not install a new water heater unless one of THEIR vendors brings it up to code, which I think is a bunch of bull...Their plumber quoted us $530 JUST TO BRING IT UP TO CODE.....how difficult is it to bring it up to code? They say it needs a drain system installed.

Yes my home warranty company company (HWA) not the homeowners insurance...they say we need a drain pan installed and a drain line going outside....this sounds to me like i can buy a drain pan at home depot and the drain line will consist of running some pvc ...I'm just not sold on the $530 being quoted...

Answer 1

Your water heater should already have a drain on it. There is a valve at the bottom of the tank, if you push the lever water should drain out of it. Sounds like they are trying to get out of having to replace it. All water heaters come with a drain, even 20 year old ones. BOCA code just requires you to have a water heater, not a specific one, and the one you have should be up to code anyway if it was installed properly.

Answer 2

You must not have a floor drain in which case, I can see where they would want you to have a safety device in case of a leak. My water heater started leaking but I had a floor drain so, thats where the water went.

$530 might have been a quote for a new water heater, catch pan and labor. A water heater will set you back at least $150 - $450 depending upon size and if its electric or gas.

$530 sounds too high especially if they are only talking about installing a catch pan, you can pick one up yourself for about $25-$30 at Lowes or Menards. Add a few bucks for a plastic tube for drainage.

You might also need to spend a few bucks on a drill/auger bit to drill the correct size hole in your baseboard for the drain tube.

When you install your new water heater, place the pan under the unit and connect the tube. Drill an appropriate hole in your base board to the outside, making sure you have at least a slight decline from the pan to the outside, feed the tube through then caulk any gaps.

Unless there is a requirement to have a french drain, don't worry about it.

You should also be able to replace your own water heater without calling a plumber. Especially if the the water supply has screwed joints. If it has all solder joints, it is a little bit more tricky but still can be done.

I would suggest if it is a GAS water heater, have a qualified service person install the heater. You really need to be sure that you have good ventilation. Of course with Electric, you don't have that to worry about. Just make sure you turn the power off from the fuse box. Plumbing pipes make a good ground and you don't want to be the one to make the connection.

Answer 3

What they probably are talking about is a drain pan placed under the tank with a drainline going outside. This is code in some areas. may also be talking about extending the pressure/temperature relief valve outside to a french drain. Get some other estimates.

Answer 4

if they say you need a drain pan installed and a drain line from that pan ran outside. yes you can do it yourself not cutting any water lines or replacing any power lines ?
yes you can do it for about $30 depending on drain pan price.
need more help mail me

Answer 5

Local regulations may require a licenced plumber to bring it up to code.
Get a quote from at least two other plumbers.
Also, check with your local regulators to determine the exact requirements.