If you’re installing a water heater in your home, you probably have some questions. For example, you might be wondering whether it matters where the heater is located. The answer to this question is a strong yes. There are numerous things to consider when deciding where to place a Water heater.
It’s particularly important to follow local codes and regulations when a hot water heater is being installed. These rules aren’t universal. Not only can they vary from one state to the next, but regulations may be different across counties. That’s why you’ll want to make sure your heater is placed appropriately. If you’re going to be installing your heater yourself, you’ll want to reach out to local planning offices to find out more. Alternatively, you could work with a contractor, Water Heater Repair Irvine who is familiar with these restrictions.
Where Should Your Water Heater Be Placed?
The regulations on water heater location are typically pretty simple. Most of the time, you just need to make sure that your heater is placed alongside one of your home’s external walls. You’ll want it to be placed by an outer wall so that you have enough space for the heater’s flue. You’ll also want your heater to be close to faucets if possible. This is because water can lose heat as it moves through your pipes.
If your faucets are far away from your heater, more energy will be expended to provide you with hot water. This can increase your energy bills. It’s most common to find heaters in the basements and garages of homes. If possible, you’ll want your heater to be near the kitchen and bathrooms of your home.
It’s also smart to take some precautions to ensure that the surfaces near your water heater are fully protected. If a water or gas leak occurs, you’ll want to avoid damage. Your heater shouldn’t be too close to the subfloors and foundation in your home. Otherwise, in the case of a gas leak, gas could spread throughout the home. It’s best to install gas heaters in spaces that are fairly open.
Make sure that the ventilation provided is sufficient. Don’t place any flammable materials near your heater. This can be a major safety risk. You’ll also want to make sure your heater can easily receive the maintenance that it needs. You should also make sure that your heater’s panel is easy to reach.
Placing Items Close To Your Water Heater
Your heater will need to have plenty of space for ventilation, which is why you should try to avoid keeping items close to your heater. Obviously, you’ll also want to keep items that are flammable, a safe distance from your heater. Experts typically recommend keeping these kinds of items at least 18 inches away from a heater.
You should be cautious about items that pose an obvious safety risk, but you should also avoid obstructing your view of your heater. You’ll want to be able to see your heater clearly so that you can identify problems right away. If you spot a leak early on, you can minimize the damage that it causes.
It’s possible that your heater will leak even if you take every possible precaution, which is why you should make sure that items prone to moisture damage aren’t too close to your heater. Paper products, like books and magazines, should ideally be stored in a different part of your home.
Avoiding Issues With Water Drainage
When you’re placing your heater, you need to make sure that the surface it’s being placed on is level. If you’re placing your heater on even floors, you’ll need to use shims. If your heater isn’t level, you’ll have issues with the flow of gas and water. Furthermore, the heater should be close to a floor drain. That way, if there is a water leak, you won’t have an issue with water damage. Instead, the water will be able to safely drain away.
If it isn’t possible to do this, you’ll want to install a drain pan so that you don’t have issues with water leaks. You’ll want the pan to be both longer and wider than your water heater. The pan should also be a minimum of two inches deep. That way, it will be able to capture plenty of water. It should be placed directly beneath your heater.
What Else Should You Consider?
Manufacturers typically recommend that water heaters are located near power sources. If you do this, you’ll be able to keep your wiring short. You should make sure that your wires are fully protected so that your electrical system won’t be shorted out if a leak does occur. It’s also smart to ensure that your piping is fully insulated.
As mentioned above, you’ll want to make sure you don’t store items close to your water heater. If you live in a smaller space however, it can be difficult to keep items away from your heater. In a scenario like this, one of the best things you can do is use wall hooks and shelves. This makes it possible to store your items in a safe location without creating a safety risk.
The location of your water heater absolutely matters. If you’re installing a water heater yourself, you’ll want to choose its location with care. Even if you’re having your heater professionally installed, you’ll want to be aware of potential problems so that you can take the appropriate precautions.
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