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Reminder: Inspection reports are only the "opinion" of the person inspecting a home. Many times items are identified by other firms that are not "required" due to the age of the home and being "grandfathered" in. Newer code requirements should be listed by competent inspection firms as "upgrades" or "safety upgrades" rather than repairs. In most cities, the only two retroactive requirements are proper strapping of the water heater and that the smoke detector configuration in effect at the time of construction be followed. For example, smoke detectors in every bedroom were not a requirement until August 13, 1992 and unless triggered by remodeling, older homes do not have to comply (exception: Los Angeles City, for example).

Question: I had my water heater installed by a licensed plumber. Why did the inspector say that the discharge pipe must go to the exterior?

Reply: Although it may have been installed by a licensed plumber, it is likely that a permit was not pulled as most homeowners are not aware that permits are required. Since most cities (exception: Camarillo) have required the discharge to terminate at the exterior since at least 1994, a water heater installed after this date should comply with this newer requirement (photo).

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