There has been some discussion about whether or not it is necessary to vent the temperature and pressure relief valve on a water heater located in a garage to the outside of the structure according to FHA.
Local code in Sacramento County may not mandate outside venting, although when researching this issue yesterday, I found contradictory statements in local ordinances.
When interviewing my appraisal peers about this issue, all agreed that the temperature and pressure relief valve should be vented to the outside of the structure. When no clear point of authority exists to support an appraiser's reporting of an existing situation, the actions of one's appraisal peers should determine the correct course of action.
However, that is not the case here.
While no written statement or point of authority exists within FHA documentation that gives the guidance for temperature and pressure relief valve venting, other than it must be vented, a call to the Santa Ana HOC revealed FHA's stance on this issue.
I called the Santa Ana HOC this morning and talked to Ed Flores in the Technical Department about venting the water heater pressure relief valve. He stated in unequivocal terms that the temperature and pressure relief valve on a water heater must be vented to the outside of the structure regardless of its location within the structure, including, as is the case here, a water heater located in a garage.
He also reminded me that as of February 15, 2010, all repair completion reports are to be reported on the Fannie Mae Form 1004D, and that the HUD-92051 is to be reserved for new construction compliance inspection reporting.