International Residential Code (IRC) Plumbing Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Exam!

Access to water heaters located in an attic or under a floor crawl space through a closet in a sleeping room is not permitted primarily for safety reasons. The International Residential Code emphasizes the need for proper access to appliances like water heaters for maintenance, repairs, and emergency situations, such as gas leaks or water damage.

In a sleeping room, access through a closet presents significant risks. If an emergency were to occur, such as a malfunction or leak, having to navigate through a sleeping area could hinder occupants' ability to respond quickly. Additionally, this access arrangement could impose safety hazards related to fire and smoke, as any issues with the water heater could affect the sleeping residents directly.

The other options – kitchen, garage, and bathroom – allow for more practical access in terms of both safety and code compliance. Kitchens and garages are commonly used for installations and maintenance of appliances. Bathrooms often have plumbing connections and typically do not pose the same level of risk associated with emergency access as a sleeping room would.