How much space do you need above a water heater?

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.

How high should a water heater be off the floor?





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

Do water heaters need ventilation?

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 far should things be from a water heater?

DON’T keep combustible material within 18 inches of the hot water heater. DON’T leave children unattended around a hot water heater.

What is the minimum clearance required around the water tank?

Around the tank: A minimum of 500mm from internal tank dimensions is required for tanks up to 2m high. Tanks at 2.5 to 3m high, a clearance of 800mm from the internal tank dimensions is required. Tanks at 3.5 to 4m high ideally require a minimum of 1m clearance from the internal tank dimensions.

Why does a water heater need to be elevated?





The pilot light from your water heater is the flame that will ignite the fumes from any spilled flammable liquids. If your water heater is NOT a flammable vapor ignition resistance water heater, it must be raised to 18 inches if it is located in the garage where a car would be parked.

Can a water heater sit directly on the floor?

Gas water heaters can sit directly on the floor if they are FVIR(flammable vapor ignition-resistant). All gas 30, 40, and 50-gallon water heaters sold to the North American market after 2005 must comply with ANSI Z21. 10.1a-2002 standards and are FVIR.

Does water heater height matter?

Short water heaters vary between 30 to 49 inches and hold up to 50 gallons of water. The nickname for tall water heaters is “short boy.” Tall water heaters range from 50 to 76 inches and can hold up to 100 gallons of water. They’re ideal for basements or garages where height isn’t an issue.

Do I need a drip pan under my water heater?

If your water heater is installed in an attic space or inside the interior living space, a drain pan is required under your water heater. Drain pans are not required for water heaters inside garages in most states. Additionally, the drain pan needs a drain pipe that drains to the outside or a nearby floor drain.

Can you store things above a water heater?



Can You Install a Shelf Above a Water Heater? You can install a shelf above a water heater, but only as long as there is enough space for the maintenance folks to service the water heater and the shelf does not pose a fire hazard.

Is it safe to store things next to the hot water heater?

Storing items in the water heater closet is extremely dangerous. The pilot light flame underneath the heater may set fire to the items stored near it. If the flame is accidentally extinguished, the fumes can create an extremely hazardous, highly combustible situation.

Can you 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.

How much clearance is required for a tankless water heater?



Tankless Water Heater Vent Clearances
If the unit is vented to the outside then it needs 12 inches of clearance from a door or window. If the window does not open, the tankless water heater clearance from a window requires a 12-inch setback.

Can you put an electric water heater in a bathroom?

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.

What is the diameter of a water heater?

Tall water heaters typically range in height from 50 to 76-inches, and most have a diameter between 18 to 21-inches.

Is short or tall water heater better?

Short water heaters are generally more energy-efficient as they have a lower power rating. They also heat the cold water faster than the tall ones due to the lower water volume in the storage tank.

What is the diameter of a 40-gallon water heater?



About this item

Assembled Dimensions
Diameter 18″
Product Depth 18″
Product Height 58.25″
Product Weight 130 Lb

Is there a big difference between a 40-gallon and 50-gallon water heater?

50-gallon water heaters have a longer lifespan. In general, 40-gallon heaters last for about eight years, while 50-gallon heaters can last 12 years. This is because 50-gallon heaters have thicker tanks. As a result, they are less likely to develop leaks.

How many showers can you have in a 40 gallon tank?

A 40-gallon water heater can provide up to 2 showers in an hour (if you’re not using any other water appliances).

What brand of water heater is the most reliable?

Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the World

  1. A.O. Smith. …
  2. Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. …
  3. Kenmore. …
  4. Bradford White. …
  5. American Standard. …
  6. American Water Heaters. …
  7. Bosch. …
  8. EcoSmart.