Relief valve inspection, pan drain compliance & FPC §504
Florida Plumbing Code 2023 §504| Tank Capacity | Tank Diameter | Min Pan Size | Pan Depth Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–40 gallon | ~17" | 18" round/square | 2" |
| 40–50 gallon | ~20" | 22" round/square | 2" |
| 50–65 gallon | ~22" | 24" round/square | 2" |
| 75–80 gallon | ~24" | 26" round/square | 2" |
| 100 gallon | ~30" | 32" or custom | 2" |
| All sizes | — | Pan drain: 3/4" min | — |
| Location | Pan Required | Pan Drain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attic | ✅ Always | Required — outside or to floor drain | Attic platform required (18" wide walkway to WH) |
| Interior closet | ✅ Always | Required — indirect waste or outside | Clearance 24" front, 6" sides minimum |
| Mechanical room | ✅ Always | Required — floor drain acceptable | Room must have floor drain |
| Garage | Recommended | If pan used: outside or floor drain | FL code: pan "recommended" — most inspectors want it; must be 18" off ground |
| Exterior install | ❌ Not required | N/A | Must have weatherproof enclosure; T&P still required |
| Crawl space | ✅ Required | Required — route outside | Difficult access; consider relocating WH |
| Requirement | FPC §504 Specification |
|---|---|
| TPR valve required | Every water heater — §504.1 |
| Valve rating | Must match or exceed WH BTU input — §504.1 |
| Discharge pipe required | Yes — full-size to approved termination — §504.6 |
| Discharge pipe material | Copper, CPVC, galvanized steel — §504.6 |
| Prohibited materials | Flex connectors, PEX, PVC, polyethylene — §504.6 |
| Pipe size | Equal to TPR outlet — min 3/4" — §504.6 |
| Pipe direction | Full-flow downward — no upward runs — §504.6 |
| Max elbows | 4 — §504.6 |
| Termination | 6" above floor drain, indirect waste, or outside — §504.6 |
| End of pipe | Must not be threaded, capped, or valved — §504.6 |
| Drip pan required | Interior locations above finished space — §504.7 |
| Pan size | Full WH footprint + min 1.5" clearance — §504.7 |
| Pan depth | Minimum 1.5 inches — §504.7 |
| Pan drain size | Minimum 3/4 inch — §504.7 |
| Pan drain termination | Outside, above floor drain, or visible — §504.7 |
| County | #1 TPR Failure | #2 Pan Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Flex connector on discharge | No pan — closet install |
| Broward | Discharge terminates in wall | Pan drain too small (1/2") |
| Palm Beach | PEX used for discharge pipe | Pan drain inside wall |
| Hillsborough | Valve over 10 yrs old | No pan — attic install |
| Pinellas | Discharge capped (safety issue) | Galvanized pan corroded |
| Orange | Flex on discharge | Pan missing — closet |
| Lee | PVC used for discharge | Pan drain terminates in wall |
| Collier | Valve uncertified brand | No pan — garage install |
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On this page, Florida TPR valve guide estimates run about $150-$400, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.
Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the pipe materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.
In Florida, minor maintenance may be DIY, but anything beyond that generally calls for a licensed plumber, and many jobs require a permit and inspection. When a permit, gas work, or your main water or drain lines are involved, hire a Florida-licensed plumber.
It depends on the cause and your specific policy. Sudden, accidental damage is more often covered than gradual wear-and-tear or maintenance - confirm the details with your insurer.
Many common jobs are completed the same day, while larger projects can take longer. Your licensed plumber can confirm a timeline after assessing your home.
Planning estimate, not a quote — confirm with a licensed Florida plumber. Confidence is qualitative: ranges reflect this page’s Florida assumptions, not a guaranteed price.
Estimates on this page are Florida-specific and reflect TPR Valve Guide for typical Florida homes.
From this page: On this page, Florida TPR valve guide estimates run about $150-$400, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.
Your actual cost depends on your home's condition, layout, and local labor and permit rates.
From this page: Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the pipe materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.
Generally raises cost: harder access, older homes, added permits and inspections, premium fixtures or materials, and emergency or after-hours work.
Generally lowers cost: easy access, bundling several items in one visit, standard fixtures, and off-peak scheduling.
Curated Florida tools and resources related to this page.
Last reviewed: July 1, 2026 (US Eastern)
Reviewed by the FL Plumbing Tools editorial team.
Sources: Florida plumbing cost research and Florida Building Code / local authority-having-jurisdiction (AHJ) permit references.
Florida reference: Estimates and guidance reflect Florida labor rates, permitting, hard water, humidity, and coastal conditions.
Updates: Reviewed periodically and updated as Florida codes, permit fees, and market rates change.