How to Enclose a Water Heater?
- Curtains are a Budget-Friendly Option. A curtain remains the simplest and easiest way to put your water heater out of...
- Incorporate a Screen or Room Divider. These options work more like covers because they do not enclose the water...
- Build a Closet. Customized closets to hold the water heater offer a complete unit enclosure. Make...
Can You enclose a hot water heater?
Typically, hot water tanks should not be enclosed, but it is possible to build an outdoor enclosure whenever necessary. How much space do you need around a hot water heater?
How do you enclose a water heater in a basement?
You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet. While you want to keep the size of the enclosure as small as possible in order to maximize the space available in the rest of the basement, you cannot just place the enclosure walls six inches away from the water heater.
How do you keep Bugs out of a water heater enclosure?
Cover any openings in walls with wire mesh or window screens, so bugs can’t get inside during the summer months. There are three types of outdoor water heater enclosures: Frame-built enclosure: This style comes from a wood frame with metal panels on the outside and insulating material inside.
How do I install an outdoor hot water heater?
Determine if you want a wood, vinyl, or metal construction for your enclosure Decide on the size of your outdoor hot water heater and how much space it will occupy in the enclosure Call an electrician to install electrical outlets in the area where you plan to place your hot water tank
How do I hide my hot water heater?
Ideas for Hiding a Hot Water HeaterAdd a Closet. If you have the space, you can hire a contractor to install drywall and a door. ... Create a Hot Water Cover or Cabinet. Creating a cabinet is a great option if you want something less permanent than a closet. ... Hang Curtains. ... Use a Room Divider or Screen.
Can you enclose a water heater in the garage?
Many people put their water heaters in the basement, garage, or in an outdoor enclosure, as this helps reduce the risk of potentially lethal CO poisoning. It should be installed somewhere safe and away from hazardous or explosive materials.
Can you put stuff around a water heater?
As a rule of thumb, always remember to keep space around your water heater and store any items a reasonable distance away from the unit so that you there is no potential for a fire or safety hazard.
Does a water heater need ventilation?
All natural gas water heaters must be vented to the outdoors to remove the byproducts of combustion. Atmospherically venting gas water heaters is the most common type of venting option used.
Is it safe to enclose a water heater?
Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation.
Can I build a wall around my hot water heater?
You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet.
How big does a hot water heater closet need to be?
Depending on whom you will ask and what your situation is, the answer to this can be a yes or a no. The water heater needs air space of at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters on every side of the heater. This is to ensure that the heater will be able to have proper ventilation and combustion.
Is a hot water heater a fire hazard?
So, Can a Water Heater Cause Fire? The short answer is: YES. Water heaters can definitely cause a fire. But this doesn't mean that water heaters are inherently dangerous; it highlights that improper use and neglect of such systems could lead to more significant problems down the road.
Can a water heater be in a closet?
Yes, a gas water heater can be installed in a closet as long as the closet is not used for storage. The International Residential Code (IRC) specifically bans a storage closet as a location for a gas water heater.
How much ventilation does a water heater need?
As a general rule, water heaters need 50 cubic feet of air per 1,000 BTUs/hr. For example, a water heater with an input of 40,000 BTUs/hr should be in a room (often the garage) with at least 2,000 cubic feet of air.
What is code for venting a hot water heater?
Clearance to combustibles: for gas fired water heater vents: 6" minimum clearance from single-wall vent pipe or flue-vent connector to any combustible material. Single wall vent pipes cannot pass through a ceiling, floor, firewall, or wall.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a water heater?
Home furnaces and water heaters are a major source of carbon monoxide poisoning, usually from poorly vented fuel sources or leaking vent pipes. Ideally, you should have your furnace and water heater inspected by a professional at least once a year.
How much ventilation does a water heater need?
As a general rule, water heaters need 50 cubic feet of air per 1,000 BTUs/hr. For example, a water heater with an input of 40,000 BTUs/hr should be in a room (often the garage) with at least 2,000 cubic feet of air.
How do you keep a water heater from freezing in the garage?
Wrap the insulating blanket around the tank, says Energy.gov. Secure the blanket to the water heater, using aluminum tape. Alternatively, secure the blanket with nylon belts, if a set came with the insulation blanket.
How do I insulate my garage water heater?
0:371:42How to Insulate a Hot Water Heater [Electric] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI cut a piece of blanket to cover the top of the tank. And as I ran out of vinyl tape I use someMoreI cut a piece of blanket to cover the top of the tank. And as I ran out of vinyl tape I use some aluminum foil tape to seal the blanket.
How much clearance do you need for an electric water heater?
Clearance to combustible materials: 0” top, bottom, sides, and back. Heater must have room for service: 24” front, 6” top, and 6” sides are minimum recommended service clearances. (A combustible door or removable panel is acceptable front clearance.)
Where is a water heater enclosure?
What is a Water Heater Enclosure. A water heater is generally placed in the basement of a house. The basement can be used for other purposes also. So leaving the water heater open can lessen the view of the room as well as question the protection of the heater.
How close can things be to a water heater?
So it’s too important to ensure that your water heater has enough space (about 18 inches) around it for proper ventilation.
Can a water heater touch the wall?
A water heater might be placed against a wall, but if it causes restricting airflow then you shouldn’t let the heater touch the wall. You have to keep in mind, a water heater requires a certain area of clearance, that is about 12” to 18” around it to function properly and safely.
Is it ok to enclose a water heater?
You can enclose your water heater or not, it depends on your wish. Not enclosing it may make your room look messy. So, it’s better to enclose the heater by building a wall and then decorating it by matching it with other appliances.
Do water heaters need ventilation?
Combustion creates more heat, exhaust gases, and moisture. If there are no ventilation systems in the water heater then the byproducts will remain in the house and may pollute the environment.
Can a power vent be added to a water heater?
A power vent is a system that emits out harmful combustion gases from the house. But you shouldn’t add it to a water heater that isn’t manufactured originally with a power vent system because it is made to function differently.
What is the size of your water heater?
If you need to determine what sized water heater do you need, then you should first calculate the amount of hot water needed for your everyday life. Again, if you want to know the average calculation, you can follow the chart below :
Can I Build a Closet Around My Water Heater?
The previous section has already hinted that closets are one of the most common ways by which people hide their water heaters in the United States.
Is It OK to Enclose a Water Heater?
Before going on to learn about the best ways to hide your water heater, it’s important to learn if you should even hide it behind an enclosure in the first place.
What is a water heater enclosure?
A water heater enclosure is a metal cabinet that houses your water heater. It works like the wall framing of the heater. The outside heaters should have enclosures to protect the unit from weathering and rusting. As well as safeguarding it from potential injuries or damage caused by an accident involving children, pets, tools, etc.
Considerations when building outside water heater enclosure
When choosing a hot water heating enclosure, you should take it into consideration. How often it will be used as well as your climate is you in an area with high precipitation? Will there be snowfall frequently throughout the year? Can the enclosure withstand all these issues? Well, the best enclosures do.
Different types of outdoor water heaters tank enclosures
Outside electric water heaters should have a metal cabinet or galvanized steel. With screened openings for ventilation and insulation space inside. The door of these enclosures can be either have a hinge or slide, depending on its orientation to prevailing winds.
Four water heater enclosure recommendations
Outside electric hot water heaters should have a metal cabinet or galvanized steel with screened openings for ventilation and insulation space inside. The access door of these enclosures can either have a hinge or slide, depending on its orientation to prevailing winds.
FAQs: Common outside water heater
The cost to move a water heater is $5,000 on average, and it can be upwards of $80 for hot/cold hoses. Hiring an electrician to install your home’s water heater outside can be expensive. The average cost is $650, but you’ll end up paying even more for labor–which averages out at least $140 per hour!
Conclusion
We have a variety of outdoor water heater enclosures to help protect your family from accidents. Whether you need one for a tankless or traditional hot water
Can you remove a water heater with a solid door?
If it electric build a room around it with a solid door wide enough to remove the water heater. Job done.
Do you need to check your local code before enclosing a gas water heater?
You would need to check your local code requirements very carefully before enclosing that gas water heater.
Can you use a solid door for a water heater?
The door will have to be a lovered type to let combustion air to the water heater. Or it will require a specific size ductwork going into the room as spelled out in the owners manual. then you can use a solid door.
Can you build a room around a gas water heater?
It should have specific clearance distances for combustibles when enclosing the water heater and air requirements. You can still build a room around it using the specific clearances ,but the room may need to be drywalled on the inside.
Enclosing a Hot water heater and furnace
I've been doing research on Basement refinishing and I found this web site very useful and the way Shannon explains things is straight forward. I want to do my basement and one of the things I'm starting with is my design which for right now is going to be open.
Re: Enclosing a Hot water heater and furnace
Enclosing won't be a problem, just take into account space to access the units for service and maintenance. A water heater doesn't need much more than its own footprint, since its connections are on the front and top, though allowing at least 6" around it will certainly ease any future work necessary.
Re: Enclosing a Hot water heater and furnace
Thank you for your quick response on my question. Very much appreciated. like the idea of installing additional louvered vents.
Where should a water heater be located?
Ideally, water heaters should be located near gas or electric service and where water supply and distribution lines can be easily installed. Ventilation is easier to achieve if the unit is located on an exterior wall.
Where are the straps on a water heater?
Each unit must be held in place with two straps, one located on the top third of the water heater and the other on the bottom third. These straps must be at least 4 inches away from the water heater controls. Flexible connection hoses are required when connecting units to gas and water supplies in seismic zones.
How to prevent water heater from shifting during an earthquake?
To prevent this, water heater bracing straps must be installed on water heaters in areas prone to earthquakes. Each unit must be held in place with two straps, one located on the top third of the water heater and the other on the bottom third. These straps must be at least 4 inches away from the water heater controls. Flexible connection hoses are required when connecting units to gas and water supplies in seismic zones.
What happens to water heaters during earthquakes?
Seismic Straps. During an earthquake, a water heater can shift, potentially causing water leaks, gas leaks and electrical damage. To prevent this, water heater bracing straps must be installed on water heaters in areas prone to earthquakes.
How much clearance is needed for a water heater?
Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation.
How far from water heater should air ducts be?
Air ducts required for combustion must be at least 3 inches in diameter.
Do you have to have a closet door to open a water heater?
Closet Doors. Closets are required to have doors when a water heater is installed in them and these doors cannot be left open. The doors must open and close easily and freely and must close and latch by themselves if left unattended. Features that allow the closet door to be held open are not permitted. There must be a threshold and seal ...
