Thread: Protection from Vehicle Damgage

This issue has been addressed before but no timeframes given (that I could find). Home was built in 2000 and the GAS hot water heater and furnace in garage has no bollard or anchored curbing to prevent vehicle from damaging them. Is this a code violation, installation violation, any violation? If so, is it only after a certain year. I know they need it, but who is responsible, builder, seller, new homeowner?

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Originally Posted by Pamela Mitchell

This issue has been addressed before but no timeframes given (that I could find). Home was built in 2000 and the GAS hot water heater and furnace in garage has no bollard or anchored curbing to prevent vehicle from damaging them. Is this a code violation, installation violation, any violation? If so, is it only after a certain year. I know they need it, but who is responsible, builder, seller, new homeowner?

I don' think anyone is really responsible so it is who is willing to do it. I doubt it will be the builder so that leaves the seller or the buyer. The buyer is in the cat-bird seat since they have the money and can walk so I would say it is the sellers responsibility if they want to sell the house. Whether or not the code required it really does not matter.

Originally Posted by Pamela Mitchell

This issue has been addressed before but no timeframes given (that I could find). Home was built in 2000 and the GAS hot water heater and furnace in garage has no bollard or anchored curbing to prevent vehicle from damaging them. Is this a code violation, installation violation, any violation? If so, is it only after a certain year. I know they need it, but who is responsible, builder, seller, new homeowner?

I guess it would be whoever owns the home. As James said, it really does not matter who is at fault. It needs to be corrected.

This is an inexpensive fix. You can buy a bolt down bollard for about $50 and then have it secured to the floor for about the same amount if not less. So for about $100 or less the problem can be taken care of!

IRC 2000/2006 has this to say about that:

M1307.3.1 Protection from impact. Appliances located in a garage or carport shall be protected from impact by automobiles.

Keep in mind the average life expectancy of a water heater is 8-11 years. If house was built in 2000, it is probably time for a new water heater. HVAC life expectancy is about 12 years. Again, probably showing wear and in need of replacement or at least servicing.

Originally it was the builders responsibility. Now it is point of contention between the seller and buyer.

Unfortunately, It's an item often not enforced or required by the local AHJ.
And, if not an enforced code item, nobody "needs" to correct it.