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.
How high should a water heater be off the floor?
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.29-Jun-2021
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 electric water heater be elevated?
It is not necessary for electric water heaters or gas water heaters manufactured after mid-2003. 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.14-Jun-2018
Does the height of a water heater matter?
Height does not diminish the unit's ability to produce hot water. Next to heating, cooling and refrigeration, your water heater comes in third place in terms of energy use and costs. As a general rule, you should take an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach in selecting a tall or short water heater.
Is it safe to enclose a water heater?
The short answer to whether a water heater can be enclosed is "Yes," but there are some important things to consider when placing a hot water heater in an enclosed area, whether the unit is gas or electric. Any hot water heater must be installed in such a way as to prevent spills and allow easy access to controls.26-Sept-2017
Should I put water heater on bricks?
Putting a water heater on brick is usually done to protect the bottom from rust. It safeguards the metal body from moisture but that's not all. Heaters without FVIR can't be placed directly on the floor. Bricklayers are used for protecting heaters from creating fire hazards.23-Sept-2021
Can hot water heater sit on floor?
Can A Water Heater Sit Directly On The Floor? Yes, you can place a water heater directly on the floor. A gas water heater can sit directly on the floor if it is flammable vapor ignition resistant (FVIR).
Can electric water heater sit on garage floor?
Water heaters with FVIR technology may be installed on the floor of a residential garage. Electric water heaters do not have mandated FVIR technology and may cause a small spark when heating.
Why do water heaters need to be raised?
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.12-Sept-2017
How do I know if my water heater is tall or short?
Look for a sticker on the side of your water heater. It should have the serial number and other information as well as the gallon capacity listed. This is the capacity of your water heater. Using a tape measure, measure the height of your water heater from its base to the top.17-Jan-2016
Are short or tall water heaters better?
Short Water Heaters Are Energy Efficient In comparison to tall water heaters, the short ones are almost 40% more energy efficient. Opting for appliances with higher energy efficiency ratings is always a wise choice. Low energy consumption will result in low energy costs and help you save some money.
How tall is a 50 gallon short water heater?
Smith® 50-Gallon Lowboy Electric Water Heater 26-1/2" D x 34" H | HD Supply.
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.
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 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 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, ...