[JBONCHER1]

Is an expansion tank required in a new water heater installation in Myrtle Beach, SC?

[ma0641]

City water or well? Has the city installed backflow valves at the meter? What did the installer say?

[ballengerb1]

That is a code question best answered by calling your local government building office. Codes vary widely from city to city and state to state. Most likely if you did not have one before you won't need one now. No permit is needed to replace a heater by still they can answer your questions

[massplumber2008]

A permit is required to replace a water heater everywhere that I know of, Bob... especially if GAS is involved... ;)

In terms of an expansion tank, most states do not require them as much as they are required when the water system becomes a closed loop as in when a backflow preventer, a pressure reducing valve or a check valve being installed on the water system in such a way that the system can no longer absorb thermal expansion and water starts to get released from the temperature and pressure relief valve (or other sources).

Like Bob said, to be sure you need to call your local plumbing inspector and ask him, OK?

Mark

[ballengerb1]

Mark, you got me thinking I might have been out of code for the past 45 years. I checked with my local code enforecement Building Projects & Permits - City of Wheaton no permit required according to their website.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Bob...

Sorry to still doubt you, Bob, but even though the page doesn't state it is needed doesn't mean a permit isn't required.

I have a hard time believing that any city/town/county would allow a water heater with gas and a temperature and safety relief valve to be installed without checking that the T&P valve wasn't piped properly. As you know, if installed wrong, these things kill people!

As a reminder to consumers, check out Water Heater Blast! to see what happens when the T&P valve fails or isn't installed correctly.

Anyway, not to be a smart-alec, but could you call your local plumbing inspector and ask him about this... just can't believe it isn't required!

Thanks!

Mark

[ma0641]

Permit required in GA only if a local code. I have changed out 3 in the past 2 yrs and no permit required. Permit would be required for new construction.

[ballengerb1]

Yep, Mark was correct for many towns. Where I live FT they told me today I need a permit, never had one in 46 years, OH well. At my fishing cabin no permited needed.