How much air space does a water heater need?
The water heater needs air space of at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters on every side of the heater. This is to ensure that the heater will be able to have proper ventilation and combustion. According to the building code, this airflow should be specific according to what the water heater brand will be advising its users.
What size storage tank do I need for a hot water heater?
If your family size is 5 or more, you’ll need an 80-gallon tank (electric) or a 50-gallon tank (natural gas or liquid propane). Storage tank hot water heaters are sized based on BTU input and capacity in gallons.
How much space do you need for an electrical panel heater?
However, many electrical equipment codes do recommend the provision of a 30 inch working space on the front and sides of the heater to allow for examination, adjustment or maintenance of the electrical equipment.
How much clearance is needed around a hot water heater?
The clearance space needed around a hot water heater is dependent upon whether the heater is a gas or electric model. Twenty-four inches of service clearance in front and two inches on the back and sides is recommended for gas water heaters, whereas electric heaters do not require minimum clearance.
What is the clearance for an electric water heater?
It is recommended to keep a minimum clearance of 8” from high heat sources. Observe heat source manufacturer instructions, as well as local, state, provincial, and national codes, laws, regulations and ordinances when installing this water heater and related components near high heat sources.
How big around is a hot water heater?
Tall water heaters typically range in height from 50 to 76-inches, and most have a diameter between 18 to 21-inches.
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.
Can you put a gas water heater in a closet?
Yes, a gas water heater can be installed in a closet as long as the closet is not used for storage. The International Residential Code (IRC) specifically bans a storage closet as a location for a gas water heater.
How far off the floor must water heaters be placed?
18 inchesAccording to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a natural gas tank water heater should be installed at least 18 inches from the ground.
How big around is a 50 gallon water heater?
The 50-gallon Whirlpool water heater is one of the wider water heaters on the market at 23 inches across. Its diameter of 23 inches makes it a tight fit in many locations. Be sure to measure your space before installing to ensure your water heater will fit.
How much ventilation does a water heater need?
As a general rule, water heaters need 50 cubic feet of air per 1,000 BTUs/hr. For example, a water heater with an input of 40,000 BTUs/hr should be in a room (often the garage) with at least 2,000 cubic feet of air.
How much clearance does a tankless water heater need?
A tankless water heater requires a 4-foot clearance from the side or below a door or window that opens, unless the unit is directly vented to the outside. If the water heater is installed above the door or window, it needs 12 inches of clearance.
Can you put a hot water system in a cupboard?
Since a water heater isn't always the most appealing item, it's best to keep it hidden, such as in a cupboard. The best location is within your house, as close to a water source as possible.
How far can shower be from water heater?
1) Shower is too far from the water heater Another thing to remember is that pipes rarely travel in a straight line, so even if there's a 50 foot distance between your heater and your shower, you should expect 60-70 feet of piping connecting the two.
How small can a water heater room be?
Depending on whom you will ask and what your situation is, the answer to this can be a yes or a no. The water heater needs air space of at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters on every side of the heater. This is to ensure that the heater will be able to have proper ventilation and combustion.
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.
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.
What temperature should a tankless water heater be?
In this case, you would want a tankless water heater with a temperature rise of 50 degrees. Based on average ground water around 50 degrees, here are the sizes you would need for a tankless unit based on your ...
How many GPMs do I need for a tankless water heater?
Based on average ground water around 50 degrees, here are the sizes you would need for a tankless unit based on your usage: 1 - 2 fixtures at once, you’ll need at least 3.5 GPM. 2 - 3 fixtures at once, you’ll need at least 5 GPM. 3 - 4 fixtures at once, you’ll need at least 7 GPM.
How many gallons of water should I use for a 10 minute shower?
If you have 4 people each take a 10 minute shower all within a one hour period, you will use about 40 gallons of hot water. This can quickly empty the tank and it may not reheat quickly enough for other uses. All it takes is one person taking a longer shower for the tank to empty.
What are the two types of water heaters?
There are two primary types of water heaters: storage tank water heaters and tankless. Before finding the right size water heater, you must determine which type you’re going to purchase
How to determine water heater flow rate?
To determine the water heater flow rate needed, you'll want to add up the flow rates of all the appliances you plan to use at the same time ( showers, washing machines, etc.). You'll then determine the necessary temperature rise by subtracting the incoming temperature from the desired outgoing water temperature.
Do I need a water heater for multiple people?
You’ll most likely need a higher capacity water heater to accommodate a household where multiple people shower , run the dishwasher, wash dishes with the faucet and do laundry at the same time, compared to a small condo where you just need hot water for one task at a time.
Is a water heater an investment?
A water heater is an essential investment for any home. That being said, it's important to make sure you buy one that’s correctly sized in order to meet your family’s needs. Otherwise, you may be left without warm water for your morning shower more often than you'd like.
How big is a water heater?
They can be stand-alone water tanks or built into existing tanks. They range in size from 50 to 80 gallons.
How much water does a short water heater hold?
Short water heaters, or lowboys, vary from 30 to 49 inches tall and hold up to 50 gallons of water.
How many gallons of water does a Rheem water heater have?
For households with five people or more, you need an electric water heater with a capacity of at least 80 gallons. The Rheem Marathon Electric Water Heater comes in an 85-gallon tank, ideal for a big family. It has an overall height of 70.25 inches, a diameter of 28.25 inches, and weighs about 134 pounds.
What is the FHR rating on a water heater?
In addition to tank capacity, also consider the water heater’s first-hour rating. First-hour rating (FHR) describes how much hot water a tank can produce in an hour when it’s fully heated. FHR determines the water heater’s efficiency and gives an idea of what the heater can handle at peak usage.
How many people can a 23 gallon water heater serve?
The household size will determine the best water heater size. A 23 to 36-gallon tank water heater can serve a house that has two or fewer people.
How much does a water heater weigh?
A 40-gallon water heater is typically 61.25 inches tall by 18 inches wide and can weigh 115 pounds. A family of three to four people requires a 50-gallon capacity electric water heater.
What is the most common type of water heater?
A storage-tank water heater is the most common type of water heater. They are available in electric, liquid propane, and gas models. Natural gas and propane water heaters usually use less energy and are less expensive to operate than electric models.
How much space do you need for a gas water heater?
The Spacing. When a gas fire water heater is installed in a closet, it should have a minimal 1 inch clearance between it and any combustible material, such as wall framing or wall finish. This clearance is based on manufacturer’s recommendations. In all cases the minimum clearance recommendations made by the manufacturer ...
How deep should a drip pan be for a water heater?
The drain cannot be greater than 2 inches in depth to prevent interference with the burner’s air flow and it should extend between 1 and 2 inches beyond the sides ...
Do you need seismic straps for a water heater?
In all cases the minimum clearance recommendations made by the manufacturer of your appliance must be followed. If you are located in an area subject to earthquake activity, seismic straps securing the water heater in place will also be required.
Can you use single wall pipe for a water heater?
When a residential, gas fired water heater is installed in a closet, the heater combustion gases must be vented to the outside of the residence and the fresh air needed for combustion must be drawn in from outside the home using double wall metal pipe; single wall pipe is not permitted.
Can you put a water heater in a closet?
By Jerry Walch. Installing a gas fired water heater in a closet is one of the options available when installing the appliance in a mobile home or a home without a basement or attached garage . It is a good option, a safe option, as long as certain building code requirements are met when installing the appliance.
Water Heater Installation Permits
Before you mess around with installing a water heater, it is crucial to do everything to code and acquire the proper permitting. To install a water heater, you are required to have at least one permit.
Considerations Before Installing a Water Heater
Here are a few things to consider and make sure you properly set up before installing your new water heater into your home.
How to Install a Water Heater to Code
While installing a water heater, you must make sure that you do everything according to the set standards and codes. Follow the process below to install an electric water heater the correct way. For a gas water heater, codes are similar with some exceptions.
Skills Needed To Install a Water Heater
The installation of a water heater requires more skills than you might imagine. However, you’ll need fewer skills and knowledge to replace an existing water heater than install a brand new one.
Can A Homeowner Install a Water Heater?
Most ordinances and codes allow homeowners to install their own water heaters, while other jurisdictions let unlicensed individuals install heaters as long as they have a permit for safety purposes.
Common Mistakes When Installing a Water Heater
If you decide to install your water heater yourself, you want to avoid many mistakes and errors for cost and safety reasons. Below are a few of the most avoidable common mistakes:
How Much Space Do You Need Around A Water Heater?
Water heaters should be surrounded by an air space or a certain level of clearance to function safely or properly.
