You’ll need a vacuum breaker valve, most likely, as there are presumably outlets below tank level, and vacuum-crushing your water heater tank is a bad thing and against code. You should only need to remove one stud to get it to fit, (jacket diameter is listed as 29.25 inches) which limits your header requirements.

Can you install tankless water heater under stairs?

The tankless water heater is small in size. Thus it can be put in small spaces such as under-stair storage areas, closets, in pantries or under the sink. Be careful to ensure that your water heater is convenient and safe in case of future servicing.

How much clearance do you need for a water heater?





Air Circulation



Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation.

How many inches does a water heater have to be off the floor?

18 inches

According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a natural gas tank water heater should be installed at least 18 inches from the ground.

How much clearance is needed around a gas water heater?

Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible and noncombustible construction are 0” at the sides and rear, 4” at the front, and 6” from the vent pipe.

Can a tankless water heater be installed under a house?





Because it’s small — about the size of a carry-on suitcase — you can place a tankless water heater along any stretch of pipe: In the attic, basement, closet, or crawlspace. You can install two or three units to serve different parts of the house, or even dedicate a unit for a particular use — say, a washing machine.

Can a tankless water heater be installed anywhere?

Tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere inside your home. You can even have a tankless water heater in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose to install two, one for each floor, for example. Because of their small size, they fit in closets, cabinets, pantries or laundry rooms.

Can you put a water heater outside?

The Short Answer: Absolutely. Not only is it possible to put a water heater outside, but specific models are specifically designed to make it easy for homeowners to do just that.

Is it OK to enclose a water heater?

In most instances, a home’s water heater is placed in the basement. When the basement is finished so it can be used for another purpose, leaving the water heater in plain view can detract from the appearance of the room. You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet.

Do electric water heaters require clearance?



Heater must have room for service: 24” front, 6” top, and 6” sides are minimum recommended service clearances. (A combustible door or removable panel is acceptable front clearance.)

Can a gas water heater be enclosed?

Hot water heaters — both gas and electric — can be enclosed. However, insulation blankets are no longer recommended for hot water heaters. Each state has codes that dictate hot water heater installation. Most defer to manufacturer recommendations when it comes to space allowance for an enclosed water heater.

Do gas water heaters need venting?

In addition to venting, gas and propane water heaters need an air supply for combustion. This may come from the atmospheric air in the house, or it can come through a vent pipe that pulls air from the outdoors.

How close can a gas water heater be to a window?



What is the minimum clearance to doors and windows for an outdoor tankless gas water heater? An outdoor gas tankless water heater should not be located within an area extending twelve inches to the side, and one foot above or below, any door or the operable area of a window that can be opened, per ANSI A21. 10.3.

What is code for venting a hot water heater?

Clearance to combustibles: for gas fired water heater vents: 6″ minimum clearance from single-wall vent pipe or flue-vent connector to any combustible material. Single wall vent pipes cannot pass through a ceiling, floor, firewall, or wall.

How much does it cost to switch to gas hot water?

Installing a new gas continuous flow hot water heater can cost about $2750 – $3750 and can be more expensive as a registered gas fitter and plumber is required. Installation costs are estimated to be 30%-40% more than that for a hot water cylinder. A new heat pump water heater costs about $4,000-$8,000 to install.

Can I vent my tankless water heater into chimney?

The tankless heater cannot share vent piping with any other appliance, and it cannot use a masonry chimney flue for venting. Special stainless steel pipe. The vent pipe must be made of stainless steel designed for venting corrosive gases.

Do tankless water heaters need to be vented outside?



Tankless hot water heaters require special venting to blow hot exhaust gas outside, where it dissipates. Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, gas tankless hot water heaters offer far more versatile venting options.

Is it normal to smell gas from a tankless water heater?

If you smell gas from a tankless water heater, it means there is a leak somewhere, which you need to get fixed out immediately. A tankless water heater will give out gas-only when there is a gas leak or incomplete combustion. Of course, a gas leak is hazardous, so it isn’t something you should overlook.

Can you vent a tankless water heater through the roof?

As mentioned, tankless water heater units can vent through the roof, or through a side wall, which creates more flexibility and options for where you will install the unit.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

Can you vent a hot water heater out the side of the house?



Direct Vent



The exhaust gases and excess heat produced by your water heater are then vented back outdoors. A direct vent water heater uses special coaxial venting that has separate chambers for intake air and exhaust in a single assembled vent piece. The venting runs from the water heater through the side of your home.