Freedom Code Compliance
Commercial

Commercial Hot Water Heater Changeout

Replacement of existing water heater with like-for-like or upgraded unit

Last updated: Apr 21, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Equipment Specifications
    Manufacturer specifications for the replacement water heater including capacity, fuel type, and input rating
  • AHRI Certification Sheet
    AHRI performance certification showing Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating for the replacement water heater
  • Construction Plans Sealed by a Florida Registered Design Professional
    Plans sealed by a Florida-registered design professional showing water heater installation details

Section 2

Plan Review Criteria

What FCC's plans examiner looks for on this project type, by trade. Items are grouped by priority — life-safety first. Building department checks may go further; this is the FCC private provider scope under FL Statute 553.791.

PlumbingAdvisory

AdvisoryPlan review is not required for this scope under FBC 107.3.5. FCC reviews these items only when the building department specifically requires it, or when the client opts in.
  1. #01Water heater installation requirementsCode

    Replacement water heater installation must include T&P valve, expansion control, drain pan, and proper combustion air / venting for fuel-fired units.

    FBC-P 504FBC-M 303FBC-FG
  2. #02Plan review applicability (FBC 107.3.5)Documentation

    Per FBC-B 107.3.5, plan review is not required for replacing existing equipment (Exemption #1). FCC performs this review only when the building department requires plan review or the client opts in.

    FBC-B 107.3.5

Items marked Advisory are non-blocking. Per FBC 107.3.5, plan review isn't required for these scopes — FCC reviews them when the building department requests it or the client wants the extra set of eyes.

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your FCC inspector will confirm which apply to your project. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Plumbing

Phase #1

Rough Plumbing

Required
  1. Water heater specificationsCritical

    Verify new water heater model, capacity, and energy rating match approved plans

    FBC-P 607.1
  2. TPR valve and discharge pipeCritical

    Verify temperature and pressure relief valve is installed with proper discharge pipe to approved termination

    FBC-P 607.5
  3. Drain pan and drain lineCritical

    Verify drain pan is installed under unit with drain line routed to approved location

    FBC-P 607.4
  4. Supply connectionsCritical

    Verify hot and cold water connections are properly made with no leaks

    FBC-P 607.1
Phase #2

Final Plumbing

RequiredTypical Final
  1. Operational testCritical

    Verify water heater heats water and all fixtures receive hot water

    FBC-P 607.1
  2. No visible leaksCritical

    Verify no leaks at any connection point

    FBC-P 312.1
  3. Seismic strapping (if required)

    Verify strapping is installed where required

    FBC-P 607.1