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.
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.
Can 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.
Do electric water heaters need to be elevated?
It is not necessary for electric water heaters, or 30 to 50-gallon 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.
Why do water heaters have to be off the ground?
Hot Water Heaters and Floors That's because some gas water heaters have pilot lights, a source of ignition. Raising gas hot water heaters is a crucial way to help prevent fires.
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.
Can a hot water heater sit on 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.
How high should your water heater be?
between 130 and 140 degrees FahrenheitProfessionals recommend keeping your water heater set at a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher, or lower, could actually be dangerous for you and your family. While turning the temperature up higher can result in burns, turning it lower than the recommended setting can also be dangerous.
Do hot water heaters need to be on a stand?
Electric water heaters do not have mandated FVIR technology and may cause a small spark when heating. Electric water heaters should be placed on a stand unless documentation is provided by the installer/manufacturer that verifies FIVR construction.
Do I need a drip pan under my water heater?
If your water heater is installed in an attic space or inside the interior living space, a drain pan is required under your water heater. Drain pans are not required for water heaters inside garages in most states. Additionally, the drain pan needs a drain pipe that drains to the outside or a nearby floor drain.
Can I put hot water tank in garage?
Can Water Heaters Be Installed in a Garage? Yes, you can install your water heater in the garage. I have my hot water heater installed in my garage, actually.
Should I put water heater on blocks?
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.
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 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, ...
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 To Raise A Water Heater Off The Floor
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you raise your water heater off the floor and onto an appropriate platform.
Why Should A Water Heater Be Raised Off The Floor?
Keeping your water heater off the floor will help in the event of flooding, water damage, or excessive moisture on the ground that can possibly damage your water heater tank through corrosion.
Can a Water Heater Sit Directly on the Floor?
It depends on the location of the water heater as well as the type of water heater.
Can You Put A Water Heater On Blocks Or Bricks?
You can put a water heater on blocks and bricks. However, the most common material is steel. Do not place the water heater directly on concrete or wood.
How Do You Lift A 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.
Final Steps For Raising Your Water Heater Off The Floor
You’ve completed the most difficult parts, but make sure you finish this project right with these final steps:
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, ...
