For a safe installation of electric tankless water heaters
Tankless water heating
Tankless water heaters—also called instantaneous, continuous flow, inline, flash, on-demand, or instant-on water heaters are water heaters that instantly heat water as it flows through the device, and do not retain any water internally except for what is in the heat exchange…
How big is a tankless water heater?
A standard electric-powered tankless water heater has a depth of 3.5 inches or 9 centimeters, a width of 17.63 inches or 45 centimeters, and a height of 18.25 inches or 46 centimeters. How Much Space Does A Water Heater Need?
How high should a water heater be off the floor?
Depending on the type of water heater you have, you'll need to raise it off the floor by a certain amount. Electric and heat pump hot water heaters can be on concrete floors, but gas water heaters need to be at least 18 inches off the floor. The experts at Energy.gov list and describe the different types of hot water heaters.
Can you put a tankless water heater under the stairs?
It may seem like a great idea to place your tankless water heater under the stairs or in a utility closet. But before you settle on a spot like that, you need to make sure the space will allow for enough air intake if it doesn’t vent air from the outdoors.
Do you need a licensed technician to install a tankless water heater?
That’s why you might want to hire a licensed technician. What is the easiest tankless water heater to install? Electric tankless water heaters are easy to install because they require no venting or gas lines.
How high should a tankless water heater be installed?
Consequently, a tankless water heater should rarely be set above 115°-120°.
How high should an electric water heater be off the floor?
If you visually see the pilot light or are able to light the pilot with a match, then you do not have an FVIR water heater and it must be elevated at least 18 inches.
How much room is needed for a tankless water heater?
As a general rule of thumb any gas tankless water heater that uses internal combustion air musts have at least 10,000 cu. ft. of space around the unit. Confined areas (such as a closet) may require air ducts or additional air inlets.
Do water heaters need to be elevated?
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.
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.
Where should tankless water heater not be installed?
You should avoid installing your tankless water heater in a location prone to excessive humidity, moisture, or dust, or in an area where it may be splashed with water or other liquids. Do NOT install under water pipes or air conditioning lines that might leak or condense moisture that could then drip onto the heater.
Where should tankless water heaters be installed?
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.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.
Should water heater sit on 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.
Why are water heaters off the floor?
Why does the water heater need to be 18 inches off the ground? It's not to avoid impact by a garage or other items, as some people may think. The clearance is to prevent fires or explosions if a flammable liquid (such as gasoline or motor oil) spills on the garage floor.
How high does a water tank need to be?
Locating the tank ~80 feet in elevation above (not distance from) the house/garden area should provide adequate pressure. If 140 feet of elevation is available between your storage tank and house then this would provide sufficient pressure for a fire sprinkler system.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why is it important to have a small water heater?
In fact, it is the most important part of choosing a new unit for your home. Having a water heater that is too small will result in it not being able to produce enough hot water for your household demand. For example, you might not be able to run more than one shower at a time without someone getting an arctic blast of cold water.
Why is my water heater too small?
Having a water heater that is too small will result in it not being able to produce enough hot water for your household demand. For example, you might not be able to run more than one shower at a time without someone getting an arctic blast of cold water. On the other hand, a water heater that is too large will end up being more costly ...
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 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.
Does replacing the Tankless water require a plumbing permit?
Local jurisdictions (cities , counties) require a plumbing permit to install a new tankless electric water heater and gas water heater as well.
Who can apply for a plumbing permit?
Per CSLB a C-36 – Plumbing Contractor. However, if the homeowner is doing the work himself/herself, the local jurisdictions will allow him/her to obtain the plumbing permit.
Tankless water heater Location
The location of the tankless water heater per the plumbing code is not listed. The manufacturer of the water heater specify if the water heater is suitable for installation indoor or/and outdoor, so I recommend reading the manufacturer specs before purchasing if you have specific location in mind.
Tankless water heater clearance
Another thing, the plumbing code, is not mentioning is the tankless water heater clearance, and it also up to the every manufacturer to set the clearance from combustible and non-combustible materials.
Temperature and Pressure (T & P) Relief Valve & Discharge Line Water
Minimum ¾ inch T&P drain to terminate “outside” of the building no closer than 6 inches or further than 24 inches from grade.
Gas line sediment trap (drip leg)
Sediment trap (T, 3” minimum nipple and cap) installed on water heater’s gas supply. (CPC- UPC 1212.7).
Water lines shutoff
A full bore shut off valve is required on cold water side only, but preferably on cold and hot water lines.
How high above the floor should an electric water heater be?
The code states that “appliances having an ignition source shall be elevated not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor in garages,” and the purpose of this stipulation is fire safety.
When did gas water heaters become FVIR?
So the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) mandated that all 30, 40, and 50 gallon gas-fired water heaters manufactured after July 1, 2003, have Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) technology.