EIghteen inch rule?

[MarkNOK]

My parents need a new hot water tank. Their house was built in 1983, and is currently on the market. The tank is located in a mechanical closet off the garage, partially clipped by stairs going up to the second level. My dad wants to bring the tank up to current code by raising it 9" (it is already 9" above the garage floor) for a total of 18". However, even the smallest tank will not fit under the stair clip, so he's between a rock and a hard place. When he sells the house, what will an inspector say? Also, this house is out in the country, and permits are not required. Any thoughts? He hates to move the entire tank to a new location, since there really isn't a good one. :confused:

[Mike Swearingen]

A home must only meet the codes that were in place at the time that it was built.
There are many different widths and heights for water heaters. Your parents can shop around for what will fit in that space, OR in this case, I would just replace the water heater with one just like the one that fits, if it has to be replaced prior to sale.
If there are no "permit requirements" out in their county, then an inspector may not even make an issue of it.
If they do, let the buyer move it wherever they want to meet code. They may just be pleased that it's new. All things are negotiable in real estate.
Good lucK!
Mike

[Pendragon]

That only applies to gas water heaters, electrics can sit directly on the floor (preferably on a drain pan).

[MarkNOK]

Thanks for the advice. The existing tank was gas, and in this state, gas is always preferable over electric. He found a tank that has a sealed flame, which according to the literature, meets code at less than 18", so everything worked out. What I meant by no permit requirements was that you can do anything you want, it's kind of a no-mans land. To build a complete new house, all you have to turn in is a site plan. It's that easy.

Anyway, the problem is solved. Thanks.