504.3 Clearance — 2025 California Plumbing Code
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
Cite as: 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) § 504.3 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
The clearance requirements for water heaters shall comply with Section 504.3.1 or Section 504.3.2.
504.3.1 Listed Water Heaters. The clearances shall not be such as to interfere with combustion air, draft hood clearance and relief, and accessibility for servicing. Listed water heaters shall be installed in accordance with their listings and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. 504.3.2 Unlisted Water Heaters. Except as otherwise permitted in this code, unlisted water heaters shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction prior to being installed. Clearance for unlisted water heaters shall be not less than 12 inches (305 mm) on all sides. Combustible floors under unlisted water heaters shall be protected in an approved manner. {NFPA 54-2018:10.27.2.2}
Explained in plain English
Guides that cite this section.
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code