How high to raise water heater above floor?
The Uniform Plumbing Code, which establishes standards nationwide, says that the flame or sparking mechanism in a gas water heater must be at least 18 inches off the ground. This means that an accurate measurement for proper installation is not based on the distance from the bottom of the water heater to the floor.
What is the average height of a water heater?
They usually store between 30 and 50 gallons of water but can hold as low as 10 gallons. Taller water heaters can be exorbitantly different. They can have a height that ranges anywhere between 46 and 60 inches tall and a diameter between 18 and 21 inches wide. They are more cylindrical than the shorter variety, which has a more diverse shape range.
Are water heaters required to be raised off the floor?
Your water heater stand needs to lift your water heater at least 18 inches off the ground. You have probably heard some forums arguing that as long as the water heater is not placed inside the garage or your house, you do not need to elevate it.
How big is a residential water heater?
Capacity: Standard residential tank water heaters can range in size and capacity. Tank water heaters range from 20- to 80-gallon capacities. Capacity is all about being sure your hot water heater can meet the needs of your home.
Should a water heater be raised off the floor?
How high should my gas water heater be off the ground? Your gas water heater should be 18 inches off of the ground, as per the National Fuel Gas Code. This is the standard for water heater installation requirements.
Should an electric water heater be raised off the floor?
Water heaters only need to be raised (per code) if they are using an ignitable fuel source (gas, propane, etc). And even then, the code is that the ignition mechanism is what needs to be raised. If your water heater is electric or a heat pump, no need to raise it per code.
Why does a hot 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 electric water heaters need to be elevated in a garage?
Water heaters having an ignition source shall be elevated so that the source of ignition is not less than 18” above the garage floor. An ignition source could be many things, including an open flame, electrical switch, open resistance heating coils, or an electrical igniter unit.
Is a water heater supposed to be on a stand?
The main reason you need to have your water heater placed on a hot water heater stands is to prevent fire incidents. Lifting your water heater prevents flammable fumes and vapors' from spilled gasoline or any other combustible fluid from lying on the floor in the garage.
Do you need a pan under 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.
Does a hot water heater need to be 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.
How high off the ground should a tankless water heater be?
18″NOTE: It is recommended to install the bottom of the unit at least 18″ off the ground to minimize blockage and maintenance from debris and provide room for the optional Pipe Cover Accessory Model Number AGTPCM.
How far off the ground should a water heater be?
The Uniform Plumbing Code, which establishes standards nationwide, says that the flame or sparking mechanism in a gas water heater must be at least 18 inches off the ground. This means that an accurate measurement for proper installation is not based on the distance from the bottom of the water heater to the floor. Instead, it is based on the distance from the pilot or lighting mechanism to the ground. Codes vary by city and county and may be more strict than national standards, so check with your local officials prior to installation. In addition, some newer models of gas water heaters have combustion chambers that are completely sealed, eliminating the need for space between the ground and the ignition mechanism. In many cases, however, building codes have not caught up with this new technology and still require a minimum distance to the ground.
Why is the minimum distance required for a water heater?
For example, the minimum distance from the ground is intended to prevent fires and explosions in case a flammable substance is spilled on the floor near the water heater.
Do gas water heaters have combustion chambers?
In addition, some newer models of gas water heaters have combustion chambers that are completely sealed, eliminating the need for space between the ground and the ignition mechanism. In many cases, however, building codes have not caught up with this new technology and still require a minimum distance to the ground. av-override.
How high should a gas water heater be off the ground?
How high should my gas water heater be off the ground? Your gas water heater should be 18 inches off of the ground, as per the National Fuel Gas Code. This is the standard for water heater installation requirements.
Does a basement water heater need to be 18 inches?
Basement water heater installation doesn’t require an 18-inch elevation, but it certainly can’t hurt. This rule is in place for the safety of you and your family, to help prevent fires and even explosions in the event that a flammable substance is spilled near your gas heater. These rules are part of the Uniform Plumbing Code, ...
How high should a water heater be installed in a garage?
According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a natural gas tank water heater should be installed at least 18 inches from the ground. It’s also important to note that this measurement doesn’t necessarily start at the bottom of the unit. Instead, the requirement is 18 inches ...
Why do water heaters need to be 18 inches off the ground?
The clearance is to prevent fires or explosions if a flammable liquid (such as gasoline or motor oil) spills on the garage floor.
How much ground clearance do I need for a water heater?
Have a plumber install your water heater. The 18-inch ground clearance is just one of many important codes and best practices for water heater installation. These requirements can be complicated and difficult to understand for many homeowners.
Do you have to have a sealed combustion chamber for an electric water heater?
If you install an electric water heater or a gas water heater with a sealed combustion chamber, this requirement may not apply to you. The Uniform Plumbing Code is the national standard, but it’s also important to follow all state and local codes.
Can you raise an indoor water heater off the floor?
When installing an indoor water heater, it’s still a good idea to raise it off the floor if the area floods (especially in a basement). You should also place a drip tray under the unit to catch any water that leaks out of the tank, including from the pressure release valve.
Do you have to raise the ignition on a water heater?
And even then, the code is that the ignition mechanism is what needs to be raised. If your water heater is electric or a heat pump, no need to raise it per code. But if you WANT to raise it then you certainly can, though building something is likely overkill.
Do you raise the water heater code?
Water heaters only need to be raised (per code) if they are using an ignitable fuel source (gas, propane, etc). And even then, the code is that the ignition mechanism is what needs to be raised. If your water heater is electric or a heat pump, no need to raise it per code. But if you WANT to raise it then you certainly can, ...
Electric Water Heater Clearance Requirements
The electric water heater clearance requirements are based on several factors.
Electric Water Heaters vs Gas-fired Water Heaters Clearance Requirements
The clearance requirements are typically based on size, location of the room, height off of the ground, etc. Moreover, there are specific gas line/wire clearances as well. The electric water heater tank needs to have at least six inches between the front sides with the ventilation required.
How Much Air Space Do You Need Around a Water Heater?
The minimum air space required around an electric water heater is six inches on all sides. Similarly, they need to have at least six inches between the front sides with the ventilation required. Moreover, you need 12 inches between the air ducts, and any combustible materials.
The Five Clearances for Maintenance and Replacement of a Hot Water Heater
The five clearances for maintenance and replacement of an electric hot water heater are based on:
Can You Enclose Water Heaters?
No, you cannot enclose water heaters. Because they require a minimum clearance of at least six inches between the front sides with ventilation required. In addition 12 inches between the back and any combustible materials. Heaters also should be three feet off of the ground.
FAQs: Electric Water Heater Clearance Requirements
Yes, electric water heaters need elevation off the ground because of their specific gas line/wire clearance. For safety purposes, they should be at least three feet off of the ground and within an 18-inch range from another vent through exterior walls.
Conclusion
If you’re not sure about your water heater’s clearance requirements, contact a professional in the area. It may be worth it to invest in an electrician if the price is right. In addition, they can help ensure that there are no issues with your water heater setup.
How far off the ground should a gas water heater be?
The Uniform Plumbing Code, which establishes standards nationwide, says that the flame or sparking mechanism in a gas water heater must be at least 18 inches off the ground. This means that an accurate measurement for proper installation is not based on the distance from the bottom of the water heater to the floor.
Where should I place a water heater?
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 non-elevated water heater sit on a slab?
Re: Non-elevated Water Heater. It can sit directly on the slab if the slab stays dry and your gas/plumbing code allows it,most do allow the new fvir heaters to sit on the floor.
Can a gas water heater be installed on the ground?
Yes, Gas water heater can not be installed on the floor/ground. Gas water heaters on the ground are possible to explode due to the pilot flame being so close to the floor. Water heaters should not be placed directly on the “dirt,” but they can (absolutely) be installed at floor level with no danger of “exploding.”.
How far off the floor is a drain pipe?
Most residential houses have a floor drain that is flush with the finished floor and with the dimensions discussed in the code above the discharge pipe needs to be a minimum of 1.5″ off the floor and a maximum of 6″ off the floor. The pipe can’t have anything attached to it other than a support.
What is a water heater?
Water Heater: Means any heating device with piping connections to the water supply system that is intended to supply hot water for domestic or commercial purposes other than space heating.
What happens when pressure builds or temperatures reach dangerous levels?
If pressure builds or temperatures reach dangerous levels the valve opens up and discharges the pressure. This prevents an explosion. Attached to the relief valve is a discharge pipe. The discharge pipe has both a maximum and minimum distance from the floor according to State plumbing code.
Do plumbers have to follow the rules?
A plumber is required by law to follow the rules according to plumbing code. Below is what the code book says about the installation of the discharge pipe for a water heater relief valve.
