Understanding Olathe Water Heater Codes and Fees
In Olathe, the Building Codes department oversee’s water heater installations to ensure safety and functionality of the system. Olathe has been a unique part of Kansas City in that the water for most of Olathe is provided by the city of Olathe. We have measured water pressure inside Olathe homes and the water pressure rarely exceeds 75 psi. For this reason we may just run an Open Loop in Olathe and skip the expansion tank and PRV. For Olathe residents served by WaterOne, water pressure can be excessive.
Key requirements for a normal installation include:
- Installation of a thermal expansion tank on a closed-loop system.
- Thermal expansion tank is not required on Open-loop system.
- Water pressure should not exceed 80psi.
- Vent connectors must adhere to fuel gas chart sizing tables.
- At least 18″ of copper from top of water heater before transitioning to pex.
- Vent connector should be at least 6″ away from any combustibles.
- Smoke detector & Carbon Monoxide detector located near mechanical room & bedrooms
- Adequate combustion passage to basement and mechanical room required
To learn more about these codes, visit the Olathe Building Codes website, or contact their office at (913) 971-6200.
In addition to adhering to these codes, it’s important to factor in certain fees when installing a new water heater in Olathe:
- Permit Fee: $30
- Annual Business License Fee: $0
Water Pressure Considerations in Olathe
In Olathe, water pressure can vary depending on the area and water provider. It’s essential to understand the water pressure in your home as it can impact your water heater installation. Let’s explore the different scenarios:
- Newer Homes with Higher Water Pressure: If you live in a home connected to the City of Olathe water supply, you may not have high pressure. If you are a WaterOne customer it’s more likely that you may have higher pressure of over 80psi outside your home. When there is high pressure, the installation of a thermal expansion tank is often recommended to regulate the pressure and protect your water heater from potential damage. If the homes PRV is more than 15 years old it should be replaced during the replacement process.
- Homes Built Between the 1960s and 2000s: For Olathe Water customers residing in homes built during this period, the water pressure may be lower compared to newer homes. In these instances, our experienced team will come out to measure the water pressure at your property. If the water pressure is less than 80psi and you have an open loop system, the need for a thermal expansion tank may not be necessary. This unique detail applies to Olathe, KS and may not apply to most other cities in the surrounding area.
- Older Homes with Unique Considerations: Some of the oldest homes in Olathe may have higher water pressure along with additional venting requirements. In these instances, our experienced team may recommend options such as installing a chimney liner or converting a gas water heater to an electric tank. We will assess your home’s specific needs to provide the most suitable solution.
Water Heater Video for Olathe, KS
Choose KC Water Heaters for Your Olathe Water Heater Replacement
To schedule an appointment or request more information, please give us a call at (913) 962-7000 or email us at kcwaterheater@gmail.com. We’re ready to assist you and ensure a smooth and hassle-free water heater replacement experience in Olathe, KS.
Thank you for considering KC Water Heaters for your water heater replacement needs. We look forward to serving you and exceeding your expectations every step of the way.