Store combustible materials within 18 inches of your water heater. Flammable items placed closer than that could potentially catch fire. Dont … Store items that are prone to moisture damage such as books, papers, or magazines near the water heater.

How much space should be around 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. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation.

Can I build a closet around my water heater?

In most instances, a homes water heater is placed in the basement. You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet.

Can water heaters catch on fire?

So, can a water heater cause a fire? Yes, a water heater can cause a fire. Proper maintenance and safety precautions can drastically decrease the risk of a fire. Dont store flammable materials or liquids near a gas water heater.

Should I put anything under my water heater?

In most cases, Yes. Whether you need a drain pan under a water heater is mostly determined by the location where it is installed. If your water heater is installed in an attic or ceiling space or inside the interior living space, a drain pan is required under your water heater.

Where is the best place to put a water heater?

General Placement Most regulations are fairly simply, and require that water heaters be placed against an external wall of the house. This is why most hot water heaters are in garages or basements. You will want to place your water heater next to an outer wall to make room for the flue.

Can a water heater touch the wall?

water heater can sit against wall, but this can restrict air flow so keep stuff away from gas water heater.

What are the signs of a water heater going bad?

7 Tell-tale signs of a Water Heater not workingYou dont have enough hot water. You have varying water temperature issues. You have a leaking water heater. You notice reduced water flow. Youre hearing some concerning sounds. You have smelly or discolored water. Your water heater is on the older end of the spectrum.2 Jul 2019

Should I put a pan under my hot water heater?

Pans & Drains Its generally recommended, and required, to install a drip pan with a drain line beneath your hot water heater tank. Especially if you water heater is in your home or basement, a leak could cause lots of water damage. A pan and drain eliminate this possibility.

Does water heater in garage need a pan?

A water heater mounted on a wood-framed and drywall-sided platform, though, would be damaged by leakage, and a pan and drain is necessary. A pan and drain is still a good idea in a garage, even if not required, if there is the possiblity that leakage would damage stored items around it.

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a water heater?

Home furnaces and water heaters are a major source of carbon monoxide poisoning, usually from poorly vented fuel sources or leaking vent pipes. Ideally, you should have your furnace and water heater inspected by a professional at least once a year.

Can a hot water heater give off carbon monoxide?

If you have a gas water heater in your home that has been neglected for a long time, improperly installed, or poorly ventilated, it could leak carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning fuels, such as gas, during operation. You do not want to mess around with a leak.

Can a water heater be installed 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. All electric water heaters can be placed directly on the floor.

Does a hot water heater have to be perfectly level?

New water heaters or water heaters that are placed on an un-level surface, need to be leveled and shimmed for them to work properly. All real estate properties must be equipped with a hot water heater, and damaged ones need to be replaced before the property is considered marketable.

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. All electric water heaters can be placed directly on the floor.

Where should a water heater be placed in a house?

Generally, the most basic requirements are that water heaters must sit against an external wall because there must be room for the flue. They must also be level for good water and gas flow as well as for safety. Some places also require you to seat the heater at least 18 inches off the floor.