Electric and gas tank water heaters are not designed to be installed outside without shelter. These water heaters are generally installed inside the garage, storage area, attic, or indoors. Some exceptions do apply.
Can a water heater be installed inside a house?
However, tank-style water heaters can also be installed inside your home: Kitchens – common in older homes where metal box cabinets would house a small water heater. It can also be found under sinks and inside cabinets countertops. Bathrooms – also common in older homes where the water heater would be located inside a closet.
Can a gas water heater be installed in a closet?
• Gas water heaters installed in an attic or underfloor crawl space are permitted to have access through a closet in a sleeping room (bedroom) or bathroom as long as ventilation of those spaces is in accordance with the building code.
Can you put a water heater in a garage?
Most water heaters are placed on stands when installed in a garage. The water heater stand is designed to keep the gas burner 18-inches off of the floor (there are some code exceptions). Certain local codes may require this for electric water heaters too.
Where should a gas heater not be placed in a house?
Do not place the heater in a location where water can easily access foundations and subfloors, or where gas can easily filter into the house. If you have a gas heater, you will need to install it in an open space or provide adequate ventilation.
Can you install a gas water heater inside the house?
Water heaters can be installed in bedroom or bathroom closets, if necessary or preferred, but only if they're an electric, direct vent or sealed combustion chamber unit. Other water heaters that use fuel combustion are not permitted to be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms or closets that open into these rooms.
Can a water heater be in the house?
One of the most popular locations for water heaters in homes built over the last 50 years is in the attic space. It is often the cheapest option from a builder's perspective, because the venting and gas piping usually only needs to run a short distance.
Can a gas hot 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.
Should a water heater be inside or outside?
We recommend installations inside the garage, storage area, attic, or indoors. Some exceptions do apply. If you live in a warm climate that doesn't have harsh winters, you can install them in an outdoor water heater enclosure or weatherproof shelter. Outdoor locations are not best in cold weather.
Can a water heater be in the kitchen?
If you are using the water heater in the kitchen and the usage is less than a 6 to 10 litres storage may be good enough. A storage water heater has a large storage tank. With the large storage tank, they tend to occupy a lot of space.
Does gas water heater need to be vented?
Venting. All natural gas water heaters must be vented to the outdoors to remove the byproducts of combustion. Atmospherically venting gas water heaters is the most common type of venting option used.
Can a water heater be in an enclosed space?
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.
Can a gas water heater be in a bathroom?
No, you cannot put a gas water heater in a bathroom. A malfunction of the water heater or flue can allow carbon monoxide to flow into a bathroom and accumulate at a fatal level in what is typically a small room.
Can gas water heater vented through wall?
Direct. With direct vent installations, there is a sealed combustion chamber and a flue pipe. They can vent separately or together through a double-wall pipe. Compared to atmospheric, direct-vent water heaters offer more installation flexibility because they can vent horizontally.
Can a gas water heater be 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.
Where should a hot water heater be placed?
The ideal location for your water heater is inside the home. Most installations are small and unobtrusive so they will easily fit in a pantry, under the stairs, or under your sink. If you must place the water heater outside, make sure it's safe from direct sunlight, rain, and insects.
Is it OK to have water heater in garage?
Residential garages have a high potential for volatile liquids, such as gasoline and paint thinners that can spill or leak from their containers. Because the vapors from these liquids are heavier than air, they concentrate just above floor level, posing an explosion hazard in garages with a water heater.
In DFW, Where are Water Heaters Most Likely to Be Located?
Tank style water heaters (both gas and electric) are not built to be directly exposed to the elements, and require shelter if outdoors. In the DFW...
Is it a Problem to Have a Water Heater Inside the Home?
Unfortunately, when these water heaters start to leak, they pose a much higher risk of damage to the home. They are almost always required to be in...
Is there a Benefit to Installing a Water Heater Outdoors in DFW?
Whether you have a tank style water heater or a tankless, the garage is often the most ideal location for homes in the north Dallas metroplex area....
Should You install a Water Heater in the Attic?
One of the most popular locations for water heaters in homes built over the last 50 years is in the attic space. It is often the cheapest option fr...
Is a gas water heater a fuel-fired appliance?
Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Because a gas water heater is defined as a “fuel-fired” appliance by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC M2005.2), there are life-safety concerns relating to making sure that com bustion gases are exhausted outside the living area, ...
Can a gas water heater be installed in a storage closet?
Where A Gas Water Heater Cannot Be Installed. • A gas water heater must not be installed in a room used as a storage closet. This also means that a dedicated water heater closet should not later have stuff stored in it.
Water Heaters Outside Or In The Garage
Tank style water heaters (both gas and electric) are not built to be directly exposed to the elements, and require shelter if outdoors. In the DFW Metro, they are often installed in the garage. This is especially common in cities like McKinney and Frisco with new construction homes or those recently built over the last 30 years.
Water Heaters Inside The House
In older homes built before the 1970’s, it was a lot more common to install water heaters inside the house. Older homes tend to rely on gas water heaters, next to a gas furnace located in the laundry room or in a separate mechanical/utility closet. This is common in Plano/Richardson/Carrollton where a lot of homes are older construction.
Water Heaters In The Attic
One of the most popular locations for water heaters in homes built over the last 50 years is in the attic space. It is often the cheapest option from a builder’s perspective, because the venting and gas piping usually only needs to run a short distance. It also keeps the water heater out of sight and doesn’t claim any usable square footage.
Get Our Insights In Your Inbox
Legacy Plumbing is centrally located to provide fast service to North Dallas and surrounding suburbs. If you are looking for a North Dallas area plumber please call us today or complete our Online Request Form.
How does a water heater save energy?
As water is pumped from the heater tank, it rapidly loses heat through the piping, so the farther away the faucets are from the hot water heater, the more energy will be wasted on the way and the harder the heater will have to work. Place your heater as near as you can to your kitchen and bathrooms to save energy. ...
How deep should a water heater drain pan be?
This can be very difficult, so most regulations allow you to use a drain pan instead. The drain pan should be at least two inches deep and be at least two inches longer and wider than the water heater dimensions. Place it under the heater and pipe it into an adequate drain for water disposal.
Where is the relief valve on a water heater?
The relief valve, often located at the top of the hot water tank, will also need to be piped to an open drain. Most manufacturers prefer that water heaters are near power sources, so that the wiring is as short as possible.
Do you need to install a gas heater?
If you have a gas heater, you will need to install it in an open space or provide adequate ventilation. Keep all flammable materials away from the heater, and try to place it so that maintenance and routine inspections are easy and all panels are accessible.
Where is a water heater installed?
The location of a water heater is always a concern. Many are installed inside a living space and tucked away in a closet. Often a water heater (in a pan or not) is out of mind until someone notices water in the hallway, damp drywall, or a buckling floor outside the water heater closet .
What happens if a water heater leaks?
When a water heater leaks, it usually starts off as a small enough trickle, and a pan with a drain will keep up with the flow of water. If this goes unnoticed, however, the leak can get to a point where the drain can no longer keep up.
How far off the floor should a water heater stand be?
The water heater stand is designed to keep the gas burner 18-inches off of the floor (there are some code exceptions). Certain local codes may require this for electric water heaters too. In order to maintain 18-inches of clearance, some home builders extend the higher sub-floor from an adjoining room above a crawlspace, ...
Why do you need a pan for a water heater?
A pan is an excellent way to help prevent damage from a leaking water heater. There are some things, however, to be aware of. Not all pans are equipped with a drain. Even with a drain, the pan is only designed to prevent a small amount of water from flooding.
Can a water heater damage a wall?
In this situation, a leaking water heater could easily damage the wall and floor in an adjacent room. It’s an unexpected consequence to see hardwood floors or wall damage inside a home caused by the water heater in the garage, but I’ve seen it many times.
Can a leaking water heater cause damage?
In this scenario, a leaking tank can still do quite a bit of damage. With enough time and/or enough water, a leaking water heater can lead to other unexpected repairs.
Can a water heater leak in a garage?
The garage is a seemingly safe, out- of- the-way location for a water heater, and for that reason, many people wait until their water heater leaks before they replace it. But even in a garage, leaks can be a problem. Before putting your water heater on “ignore,” take time to survey the room. Since garages are often used as storage, anything of value that could be ruined by water should be properly secured.
Where should a water heater be located?
Ideally, water heaters should be located near gas or electric service and where water supply and distribution lines can be easily installed. Ventilation is easier to achieve if the unit is located on an exterior wall.
What happens to water heaters during earthquakes?
Seismic Straps. During an earthquake, a water heater can shift, potentially causing water leaks, gas leaks and electrical damage. To prevent this, water heater bracing straps must be installed on water heaters in areas prone to earthquakes.
How to prevent water heater from shifting during an earthquake?
To prevent this, water heater bracing straps must be installed on water heaters in areas prone to earthquakes. Each unit must be held in place with two straps, one located on the top third of the water heater and the other on the bottom third. These straps must be at least 4 inches away from the water heater controls. Flexible connection hoses are required when connecting units to gas and water supplies in seismic zones.
How much clearance is needed for 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.
How far from water heater should air ducts be?
Air ducts required for combustion must be at least 3 inches in diameter.
Where are the straps on a water heater?
Each unit must be held in place with two straps, one located on the top third of the water heater and the other on the bottom third. These straps must be at least 4 inches away from the water heater controls. Flexible connection hoses are required when connecting units to gas and water supplies in seismic zones.
Do you have to have a closet door to open a water heater?
Closet Doors. Closets are required to have doors when a water heater is installed in them and these doors cannot be left open. The doors must open and close easily and freely and must close and latch by themselves if left unattended. Features that allow the closet door to be held open are not permitted. There must be a threshold and seal ...
Where is the water heater located in a house?
It can also be found under sinks and inside cabinets countertops. Bathrooms – also common in older homes where the water heater would be located inside a closet. Hot water would flow to the fixtures quicker. Laundry rooms – Often beside the clothes washer. Interior closets – such as under staircases or in hallways.
Where is an exterior tankless water heater installed?
Let’s look at the exterior models first. And exterior tankless water heater is typically installed on a sunny sidewall that is not easily seen. This is generally done for both warmth and aesthetic purposes.
How far should I put an outdoor tankless water heater?
Insider's Tip: Keep in mind, when installing an outdoor tankless water heater the unit should not be installed within four feet below or to the side, and one foot above, any door or operable window that can be opened . This is to prevent carbon monoxide from entering into the living space.
Where do I install a tankless water heater?
However, tankless water heaters can be installed indoors along an exterior wall, such as inside a basement or other interior room or inside an attic. While these methods are not common, it is an option.
Can you install a tankless outside?
In other words, and interior tankless can't be installed outside and vice versa. You can tell the difference between the two based on how the unit is vented. The tankless outdoor units have built-in venting located in the front of the unit.
Can I install a tankless water heater outside?
In other words, and interior tankless can't be installed outside and vice versa.
Can I put a water heater outside?
Yes, a water heater can be installed outside in certain instances. Electric and gas tank-style water heaters are not designed to be installed outside without shelter. On the other hand, gas tankless water heaters have exterior models that can be installed outside.
