International Plumbing Code

Roger W. Griffith appointed to ICC Plumbing/Mechanical/Fuel Gas Code Action Committee

January 27, 2017 by Roger Griffith Leave a Comment

The Plumbing/Mechanical/Fuel Gas Code Action Committee (PMGCAC) of the International Code Council (ICC) reviews and proposes revisions to the International Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Private Sewage Disposal, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes and the International Residential Code, chapters 12 through 33. I am honored to be appointed as a member of this committee for the upcoming 2018 – 2019 code development cycle.

These important codes define how mechanical, plumbing, and fuel gas systems must be designed and installed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Tankless Water Heaters and Thermal Expansion Tanks

June 21, 2015 by Roger Griffith 1 Comment

Thermal expansion tanks are typically installed in conjunction with storage water heaters, but what are the requirements for tankless water heaters and thermal expansion tanks? This scenario is sometimes overlooked. Let’s look at the specifics.

Section 607.3 of the 2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC) provides the requirements for controlling pressure from thermal expansion. The requirements contained in paragraphs 607. 3 and 607.3.1 do not specifically distinguish between thermal expansion from a storage water heater, a tankless water heater, or other system equipment. Paragraph 607.3.2 does specifically require a device for controlling pressure “when there is a backflow prevention device, check valve or other device installed on the water supply system utilizing storage water heating equipment such that thermal expansion causes an increase in pressure.”

The IPC does not specifically require a thermal expansion tank or other device be installed with a tankless water heater. However, if a storage tank is used in conjunction with a tankless water heater in a closed system, which is sometimes the case with recirculation, then a means of controlling thermal expansion must be provided.

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Thermal Expansion Tanks: Part 1 – The Need

June 20, 2015 by Roger Griffith 2 Comments

When heated, water expands. We know that. When water is heated in a water heater, the water expands, if possible. But what happens when water is heated in a water heater and there is no hot water usage?

This can occur after a period of showering/bathing during peak times followed by a period of no hot water usage. For example, evenings are a time when there is hot water usage for showering followed by a period of no usage while people are sleeping during the night.

During peak usage times, hot water stored in the water heater is distributed to the end users, and cold water fills the water heater. The cold water in the tank is then heated, but when there is no subsequent hot water usage, the heated water has no room for expansion. If there is no place for the expanded water to go, the pressure in the system increases significantly. This leads to one of two possible scenarios:

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