Do I need a drain pan for a water heater?
A drain pan is not required for a water heater in a garage. A drain pipe should be connected to the side of the pan, made of material rated for water supply pipe, which means that PVC is not acceptable.
What is a water heater drip pan?
Some plumbing teams and professionals call them drip pans, catch trays, overflow trays, or any other variation of basically the same concept. Water heater drip pans sit directly beneath your unit. They generally have a hole and piping that leads to a nearby floor drain that removes excess drips from the drain line outside.
How deep should a water heater drip pan be?
Your water heater drip pan should be at least 1 1/2-inches to 2 1/2-inches deep to ensure there’s plenty of room for standing water. Finally, there should be a gasket on the side to attach drain plumbing. Should You Choose a Plastic Or Aluminum Water Heater Drain Pan?
When is a water heater drain pan required in Florida?
When is a water heater drain pan required? According to the International Residential Code (IRC) and Florida Building Code (FBC) at section P2801.5, a drain pan is required for a water heater in any of these areas of a home: Or within the habitable space.
Why do water heaters have drip pans?
Drain Pan Purpose A drain pan for water heater systems is a pan, or small container, that many water heaters sit in. These pans are specifically made to catch water should your water heater leak or relieve itself of water pressure through its T&P Valve (Temperature and Pressure Valve).
Are drip pans required for water heaters in Florida?
Do I need a drip pan under my water heater? The requirement for a drip pan will depend on where in the house the water heater is located. If it is inside the living space of the house or in a non-living space, such as the garage, but at the same floor level as the living space, a drip pan is required.
Can a water heater sit directly on the floor?
All electric water heaters can be placed directly on the floor. The reason why people still think it is necessary to elevate the water heaters is that gas water heaters without FVIR were a serious fire hazard when placed directly on the floor. In fact it was required to elevate them 18 inches from the ground.
Is a drain pan required for a hot water heater in a garage?
A1-Yes. If water leakage from the water heater could come in contact with and could cause damage to any part of the permanent portion of the building, a drain pan is required. It is irrelevant that the water heater is located in a garage.
What is code for venting a hot water heater?
The water heater must be vented in accordance with the section “Venting of Equipment" of the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code: ANSI Z223. 1/NFPA 54 in the United States and/or Section 7 of the CAN/CSA B149.
Is a water heater expansion tank required by code in Florida?
An expansion tank shall be installed in every hot water system. For multiple boiler installations, not less than one expansion tank is required. Expansion tanks shall be of the closed or open type. Tanks shall be rated for the pressure of the hot water system.
What should a hot water heater sit on?
Typically, when you install a new water heater, it will be set to 140°F. According to OSHA, this is the standard that all water heaters should be kept at to avoid the buildup of Legionella bacteria in the water tank. However, to reduce energy use, the EPA recommends that your water heater is set to 120°.
How high should a water heater be off the ground?
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.
Should electric water heater 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.
How big should a water heater drain pan be?
Find a drain pan that is 2 inches wider than the new water heater. If the new water heater is 32 inches in diameter, purchase a drain pan that is at least 34 inches across.
Can you use a plastic pan under a gas water heater?
A plastic pan shall not be installed beneath a gas-fired water heater. ❖ Where leaks from a storage-type water heater or hot water storage tank would cause damage to the building structure, the tank must be installed in a pan (also known as a “safe” pan or “drip” pan) (see Commentary Figure P2801.
How big should a water heater drain pan be?
Find a drain pan that is 2 inches wider than the new water heater. If the new water heater is 32 inches in diameter, purchase a drain pan that is at least 34 inches across.
What is a water heater drain pan?
Get quotes from up to 3 pros! Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. Find pros. A water heater pan, also known as a water heater drain pan, is a pan that sits underneath your water heater to collect water in the event of a small leak.
How do you install a hot water heater drain pan?
2:484:24How to Install Piping to DRIP PAN on Water Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen cement and insert the pan fitting to the reducer. Now insert the rubber washer on the thread ofMoreThen cement and insert the pan fitting to the reducer. Now insert the rubber washer on the thread of the pan fitting. And insert it in the pan hole. Screw on the nut.
Answer
A drip pan is required when a water heater is installed over living space. Click here to view the relevant National Standard and International Residential Plumbing Codes.
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What is the drain pan for a water heater?
According to the International Residential Code (IRC) and Florida Building Code (FBC) at section P2801.5, a drain pan is required for a water heater in any of these areas of a home: Any level above the ground floor, Or in attics or ceiling areas, Or within the habitable space. The pan must be a corrosion-resistant metal ...
Is PVC pipe acceptable for a water heater?
A drain pipe should be connected to the side of the pan, made of material rated for water supply pipe, which means that PVC is not acceptable. The pipe has to be at least the same diameter as the cold water supply pipe to the water heater, and it must terminate outside within 6” to 24” of the ground or into an indirect waste receptor.
