Is it safe to install an electric water heater on concrete?
The installer didn't bother putting anything under the electric water heater; it just sits directly on the concrete floor. Seems like I've heard that's not a good idea to have electric water heaters installed directly on a concrete floor, but can't recall the reasoning.
Can electric water heaters be placed 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.
Do water heaters have to be elevated?
No, water heaters do not have to be elevated. For instance, you can have your gas water heaters sit on the floor if it’s flammable vapor ignition-resistant (FVIR). The same applies to all the electric water heaters; they too can be installed directly on the floor.
What is the best way to install a concrete floor heater?
One method entails the bottom of the heater sitting directly on your concrete floor. The other style is characterized by a bottom raised slightly above, about 2”, with air space between the concrete floor and the bottom of the heater.
Should an electric water heater be off of 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 a water heater need to be elevated 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.
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°.
Should you put something under a water heater?
The plumbing codes change every few years. One of the recent changes is that drain pans under water heaters are necessary when installing inside. If it's time to replace your water heater (or do drain service on the existing water heater), it's a good idea to install a drain pan under the water heater.
How much clearance does an electric water heater need?
8”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.
Why does a water heater need to be elevated?
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.
Can a hot water cylinder sit on the floor?
you can place on floor but alot of people place timbers underneath depending on where your pipes are going to line up and also to let air circulate.
What can you put under a hot water heater?
No matter what type of building, floors are rarely perfectly level. Use Wobble Wedges® to solve unlevel flooring below your hot water heater tank and ease needless stress on plumbing and joints. You can stack and combine Wobble Wedges to get the perfect height. Use as many as necessary.
What should you not store near a water heater?
Store combustible materials within 18 inches of your water heater. Flammable items placed closer than that could potentially catch fire. Don't … Store items that are prone to moisture damage such as books, papers, or magazines near the water heater.
Can a water heater sit on the ground?
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.
Can a hot water cylinder sit on the floor?
you can place on floor but alot of people place timbers underneath depending on where your pipes are going to line up and also to let air circulate.
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.
How do you raise a gas water heater?
Generally speaking, there are three ways to lift your water heater: use straps, use a lift, or lift it manually. Of course, if you have a large capacity gas water heater it will be heavy. Get some help. You can buy water heater straps at just about any hardware store.
What is a conventional water heater?
A conventional water heater is the most common water heater found in homes. They are either gas or electric-powered and have a tank that stores the warm water ready to be used.
Why elevate water heater?
The primary reason to elevate your water heater is to prevent a fire. When the water heater is placed on the floor, especially with gas water heaters, there is a risk of combustible fluid dripping to your floor. This can create an unsafe environment that can cause an explosion. Some newer models are created to have resistance to flammable vapor.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Water Heater?
Having to replace your water heater can be stressful enough; however, when there are many options to consider, you can feel even more overwhelmed.
How long does a tankless water heater last?
With proper maintenance, they can last twice as long as the water heaters with a tank, having a life expectancy of eight to twelve years.
What is a FVIR water heater?
These water heaters are listed as “FVIR” or Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant and can essentially be placed anywhere. FVIR water heaters have a sealed combustion chamber which makes them safer.
How to maximize energy from water tank?
To maximize the most efficient energy from your water tank, take careful consideration of placing it as close to your kitchen and bathrooms. Doing this means the water heater does not have to pump the water as hard to get the water to you.
Why do you need an elevation table for a water heater?
This is one reason why an elevation table is helpful; however, if the floor is not level, you will need to shim the base of the water heater. This will enable the water or the gas, if warranted, to flow correctly without fail.
Where do you put a water heater?
Water heaters are often placed in basements or garages. In case of a flood having the water heater off the ground gives you time to pump out the floodwater before any damage occurs.
Why are water heaters insulated?
While this might have been a problem in the past, when the water heaters were very poorly insulated; modern water heaters are insulated so well to comply with energy efficiency regulations that they lose very little heat.
Why Were Water Heaters Elevated In The Past?
Measured from the pilot light to the ground. This was to prevent accidental ignition of spilled combustible liquids such as gasoline, thinner, paint, etc.
Is There Any Other Reason To Elevate A Water Heater?
Even though it is not required to elevate a FVIR gas water heater, there are some advantages to doing so, especially in a basement.
Can Electric Water Heater Sit on Concrete Floor?
Electric water heaters can sit directly on the concrete floor. There is no risk of accidental ignition of spilled flammable liquids with electric water heaters. They do not have pilot lights as do their gas counterparts.
How far should a water heater be from the ignition point?
That’s why it was required to elevate the gas water heater at least 18 inches from the ignition point.
How high should a water heater be from the pilot light?
As you know anon-FVIR (flammable vapor ignition resistant) gas water heater must be elevated 18 inches measured from the pilot light. NEVER should this be attempted with bricks. The 18-inch loose brick column will be so unstable that the slightest movement will tip over the water heater.
Can you put bricks under water heaters?
no one puts bricks under waterheaters anymore..
Is PlBG a place to ask radiant heating questions?
Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Can you elevate a floor when it is wet?
If the floor is always dry, no worries mate. If it is damp or wet occasionally, then elevating the WH on some bricks or whatever keeps the bottom from rusting.
What is at the bottom of an electric water heater?
There is nothing at the bottom of a electric water heater that is harmed by a short term flood that's only a few inches deep. All the electrical stuff is located higher on the heater so the only thing at the bottom is steel and foam insulation.
Why do I like having my water heater elevated?
I like having a water heater elevated because it makes draining it periodically a bit easier but it's not required. Most installations have the heater sitting right on the floor.
Does elevating a concrete floor prevent rust?
I think elevating it can help to prevent corrosion (rust) caused by water vapor coming up through a concrete floor.