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Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 5 — WATER HEATERS

509.5 Masonry, Metal, and Factory-Built Chimneys.

California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Chimneys shall be installed in accordance with Section 509.5.1 through Section 509.5.3. 509.5.1 Factory-Built Chimneys. Factory-built chimneys shall be listed in accordance with UL 103, UL 959, or UL 2561. Factory-built chimneys used to vent appliances that operate at positive vent pressure shall be listed for such application. [NFPA 54:12.6.1.1]

509.5.1.1 Decorative Shrouds. Decorative

shrouds addressed in Section 509.5.4.3 shall comply with UL 103 for factory -built residential chim neys. 509.5.2 Metal Chimneys. Metal chimneys shall be built and installed in accordance with NFPA 211. [NFPA 54:12.6.1.2] 509.5.3 Masonry Chimneys. Masonry chimneys shall be built and installed in accordance with NFPA 211 and lined with one of the following:

(1) Approved clay flue lining

(2) A chimney lining system listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1777

(3) Other approved material that resists corrosion, erosion, softening, or cracking from vent gases at temperatures up to 1800°F (982°C)

Exception: Masonry chimney flues lined with a chimney lining system specifically listed for use with listed appliances with draft hoods, Category I appliances, and other appliances listed for use with Type B vents shall be permitted. The liner shall be installed in accordance with the liner manufacturer’s installation instructions. A permanent identifying label shall be attached at the point where the connection is to be made to the liner. The label shall read “This chimney liner is for appliances that burn gas only. Do not connect to solid or liquid fuel-burning appliances or incinerators.” [NFPA 54:12.6.1.3] 509.5.4 Termination. A chimney for residential-type or low-heat appliances shall extend at least 3 feet (914 mm) above the highest point where it passes through a roof of a building and at least 2 feet (610 mm) higher than any portion of a building within a horizontal distance of 10 feet (3048 mm). [NFPA 54:12.6.2.1] (See Figure 509.5.4) 509.5.4.1 Medium-Heat Gas Appliances. A chimney for medium-heat appliances shall extend at least 10 feet (3048 mm) higher than any portion of any building within 25 feet (7620 mm). [NFPA 54:12.6.2.2] 509.5.4.2 Chimney Height. A chimney shall extend at least 5 feet (1524 mm) above the highest connected appliance draft hood outlet or flue collar.

[NFPA 54:12.6.2.3]

509.5.4.3 Decorative Shrouds. Decorative

shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of factory-built chimneys except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built chimney system and are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:12.6.2.4] 509.5.5 Size of Chimneys. The effective area of a chimney venting system serving listed appliances with draft hoods, Category I appliances, and other appliances listed for use with Type B vents shall be in accordance with one of the following methods:

(1) Those listed in Section 510.0.

(2) The effective areas of the vent connector and chimney flue of a venting system serving a single appliance with a draft hood shall be not less than the area of the appliance flue collar or draft hood outlet or greater than seven times the draft hood outlet area.

(3) The effective area of the chimney flue of a venting system serving two appliances with draft hoods shall be not less than the area of the larger draft hood outlet plus 50 percent of the area of the smaller draft hood outlet or greater than seven times the smaller draft hood outlet area.

(4) Chimney venting systems using mechanical draft shall be sized in accordance with engineering methods.

(5) Other engineering methods. [NFPA 54:12.6.3.1] 509.5.6 Inspection of Chimneys. Before replacing an existing appliance or connecting a vent connector to a chimney, the chimney passageway shall be examined to ascertain that it is clear and free of obstructions and shall be cleaned if previously used for venting solid or liquid fuel-burning appliances or fireplaces. [NFPA 54:12.6.4.1] 509.5.6.1 Standard. Chimneys shall be lined in accordance with NFPA 211. [NFPA 54:12.6.4.2]

509.5.6.2 Cleanouts. Cleanouts shall be examined and where they do not remain tightly closed when not in use, they shall be repaired or replaced.

[NFPA 54:12.6.4.3] 509.5.6.3 Existing Chimney. When inspection reveals that an existing chimney is not safe for the intended application, it shall be repaired, rebuilt, lined, relined, or replaced with a vent or chimney to conform to NFPA 211 and shall be suitable for the appliances to be attached. [NFPA 54:12.6.4.4] 509.5.7 Chimney Serving Appliances Burning Other Fuels. An appliance shall not be connected to a chimney flue serving a separate appliance designed to burn solid fuel. [NFPA 54:12.6.5.1] 509.5.7.1 Gas and Liquid Fuel-Burning Appli- ances. Where one chimney serves gas appliances and liquid fuel-burning appliances, the appliances shall be connected through separate openings or connected through a single opening where joined by a suitable fitting located as close as practical to the

WATER HEATERS

FIGURE 509.5.4

TYPICAL TERMINATION LOCATIONS FOR CHIMNEYS AND

SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPES SERVING RESIDENTIAL-TYPE

AND LOW-HEAT APPLIANCE

[NFPA: 54: FIGURE A.12.6.2.1]

chimney. Where two or more openings are provided into one chimney flue, they shall be at different levels. Where the gas appliance is automatically controlled, it shall be equipped with a safety shutoff device. [NFPA 54:12.6.5.2] 509.5.7.2 Gas and Solid Fuel-Burning Appli- ances. A listed combination gas- and solid-fuelburning appliance connected to a single chimney flue shall be equipped with a manual reset device to shut off gas to the main burner in the event of sustained backdraft or flue gas spillage. The chimney flue shall be sized to properly vent the appliance.

th a safety shutoff device. [NFPA 54:12.6.5.2] 509.5.7.2 Gas and Solid Fuel-Burning Appli- ances. A listed combination gas- and solid-fuelburning appliance connected to a single chimney flue shall be equipped with a manual reset device to shut off gas to the main burner in the event of sustained backdraft or flue gas spillage. The chimney flue shall be sized to properly vent the appliance.

[NFPA 54:12.6.5.3] 509.5.7.3 Combination Gas- and Oil-Burning Appliances. A single chimney flue serving a listed combination gas- and oil-burning appliance shall be sized in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:12.6.5.4] 509.5.8 Support of Chimneys. All portions of chimneys shall be supported for the design and weight of the materials employed. Listed factory-built chimneys shall be supported and spaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:12.6.6] 509.5.9 Cleanouts. Where a chimney that formerly carried flue products from liquid or solid fuel-burning appliances is used with an appliance using fuel gas, an accessible cleanout shall be provided. The cleanout shall have a tight-fitting cover and be installed so its upper edge is at least 6 inches (152 mm) below the lower edge of the lowest chimney inlet opening. [NFPA 54:12.6.7] 509.5.10 Space Surrounding Lining or Vent. The remaining space surrounding a chimney liner, gas vent, special gas vent, or plastic piping installed within a masonry chimney shall not be used to vent another appli ance.

Exception: The insertion of another liner or vent within the chimney as provided in this code and the liner or vent manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:12.6.8.1] 509.5.10.1 Combustion Air. The remaining space surrounding a chimney liner, gas vent, special gas vent, or plastic piping installed within a masonry, metal, or factory-built chimney flue shall not be used to supply combustion air.

Exception: Direct-vent appliances designed for installation in a solid fuel-burning fireplace where installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:12.6.8.2]

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Contents — California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5)
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5)
  1. Chapter 1 — GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
  4. Chapter 4 — PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE FITTINGS
  5. Chapter 5 — WATER HEATERS
    Overview
    1. 501.1 Applicability. The regulations of this chapter shall gov…
    2. 501.2 California Energy Code Water Heating System
    3. 502.1 General. It shall be unlawful for a person to install,
    4. 503.1 Inspection of Chimneys or Vents. This inspection shall b…
    5. 503.2 Final Water Heater Inspection. This inspection
    6. 504.1 Location. Water heater installations in bedrooms and
    7. 504.2 Vent. Water heaters of other than the direct-vent type
    8. 504.3 Clearance. The clearance requirements for water
    9. 504.4 Pressure-Limiting Devices. A water heater installation s…
    10. 504.5 Temperature Limiting Devices. A water heater
    11. 504.6 Temperature, Pressure, and Vacuum Relief
    12. 504.7 Lead Content. Water heaters shall comply with the
    13. 505.1 Water Heaters. Water heaters deriving heat from
    14. 505.2 Safety Devices. Storage-type water heaters and hot
    15. 505.3 Oil-Fired Water Heaters. Oil-fired water heaters
    16. 505.4 Indirect-Fired Water Heaters. Indirect-fired water
    17. 506.1 General. Air for combustion, ventilation, and dilution o…
    18. 506.2 Indoor Combustion Air. The required volume of
    19. 506.3 Indoor Opening Size and Location. Openings
    20. 506.4 Outdoor Combustion Air. Outdoor combustion air
    21. 506.5 Combination Indoor and Outdoor Combustion
    22. 506.6 Engineered Installations. Engineered combustion
    23. 506.7 Mechanical Combustion Air Supply. Where all
    24. 506.8 Louvers, Grilles, and Screens. The required size
    25. 506.9 Combustion Air Ducts. Combustion air ducts shall
    26. 507.1 Dielectric Insulator. The Authority Having Jurisdiction …
    27. 507.2 Seismic Provisions. Water heaters shall be
    28. 507.3 Appliance Support. Appliances and equipment shall
    29. 507.4 Ground Support. A water heater supported from the
    30. 507.5 Drainage Pan. Where a water heater is located in an
    31. 507.6 Added or Converted Equipment or Appliances.
    32. 507.7 Type of Gas(es). The appliance shall be connected to
    33. 507.8 Safety Shutoff Devices for Unlisted LP-Gas
    34. 507.9 Use of Air or Oxygen Under Pressure. Where air
    35. 507.10 Protection of Gas Appliances from Fumes or
    36. 507.11 Process Air. In addition to air needed for combustion i…
    37. 507.12 Flammable Vapors. Appliances shall not be
    38. 507.13 Installation in Residential Garages. Appliances
    39. 507.14 Installation in Commercial Garages. Appliances
    40. 507.15 Installation in Aircraft Hangars. Heaters in aircraft h…
    41. 507.16 Venting of Flue Gases. Appliances shall be vented
    42. 507.17 Extra Device or Attachment. No device or attachment sha…
    43. 507.18 Addition to Existing System. When additional
    44. 507.19 Avoiding Strain on Gas Piping. Appliances shall
    45. 507.20 Gas Appliance Pressure Regulators. Where the
    46. 507.21 Bleed Lines for Diaphragm-Type Valves. Bleed
    47. 508.2 Installation of Appliances on Roofs. Appliances
    48. 508.3 Appliances on Roofs. Appliances located on roofs or
    49. 507.22 Combination of Appliances and Equipment.
    50. 507.23 Installation Instructions. The installer shall conform …
    51. 507.24 Protection of Outdoor Appliances. Appliances
    52. 507.25 Accessibility for Service. All appliances shall be
    53. 507.26 Clearance to Combustible Materials. Appliances and thei…
    54. 508.1 General. Appliances on roofs shall be designed or
    55. 508.4 Appliances in Attics and Under-Floor Spaces.
    56. 509.1 Listing. Type B and Type B-W gas vents shall comply
    57. 509.2 Connection to Venting Systems. Except as permitted in Se…
    58. 509.3 Minimum Safe Performance. Venting systems
    59. 509.4 Type of Venting System to be Used. The type of
    60. 509.5 Masonry, Metal, and Factory-Built Chimneys.
    61. 509.6 Gas Vents. The installation of gas vents shall meet
    62. 509.7 Single-Wall Metal Pipe. Single-wall metal pipe
    63. 509.9 Condensation Drain. Provision shall be made to
    64. 509.10 Vent Connectors for Category I Appliances.
    65. 509.8 Through-the-Wall Vent Termination. Throughthe-wall vent …
    66. 509.13 Manually Operated Dampers. A manually operated damper s…
    67. 509.14 Automatically Operated Vent Dampers. An
    68. 509.15 Obstructions. Devices that retard the flow of vent
    69. 510.1 Additional Requirements to Single Appliance
    70. 509.11 Vent Connectors for Category II, Category III,
    71. 509.12 Appliances Requiring Draft Hoods. Vented
    72. 510.2 Additional Requirements to Multiple-Appliance
  6. Chapter 6 — WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
  7. Chapter 7 — SANITARY DRAINAGE
  8. Chapter 8 — INDIRECT WASTES
  9. Chapter 9 — VENTS
  10. Chapter 10 — TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS
  11. Chapter 11 — STORM DRAINAGE
  12. Chapter 12 — FUEL GAS PIPING
  13. Chapter 13 — HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICA…
  14. Chapter 14 — FIRESTOP PROTECTION
  15. Chapter 15 — ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES FOR NONPOTABLE APPLICATIONS
  16. Chapter 16 — NONPOTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
  17. Chapter 17 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  18. Appendix A — RECOMMENDED RULES FOR SIZING THE WATER SUPPLY SYS…
  19. Appendix B — EXPLANATORY NOTES ON COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT S…
  20. Appendix C — ALTERNATE PLUMBING SYSTEMS
  21. Appendix D — SIZING STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
  22. Appendix E — MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS AND RECREATIONAL V…
  23. Appendix F — FIREFIGHTER BREATHING AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS
  24. Appendix G — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS
  25. Appendix H — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
  26. Appendix I — INSTALLATION STANDARDS
  27. Appendix J — COMBINATION OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION AND …
  28. Appendix K — POTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
  29. Appendix L — SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
  30. Appendix M — PEAK WATER DEMAND CALCULATOR
  31. Appendix N — IMPACT OF WATER TEMPERATURE ON THE POTENTIAL FOR …
  32. Appendix O — NON-SEWERED SANITATION SYSTEMS
  33. Appendix P — PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  34. Appendix Q — INDOOR HORTICULTURAL FACILITIES
  35. Appendix R — TINY HOUSES
  36. Appendix S — ONSITE STORMWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

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