
How close to a water heater can you store things?
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. Don’t … Place any items that may block or obstruct your view of the water heater.
What should you not store in a water heater closet?
Avoid storing items in a water heater closet that are susceptible to moisture damage such as books or papers. For more storage room in your water heater closet, consider investing in a smaller, more energy efficient water heater.
How do I keep my water heater from overheating?
Keep it clean and safe. If the space that holds your water heater doubles as a storage or laundry room, make sure you keep it organized and clean. Do … Install shelving and hooks to keep things such as laundry detergents and other household items away from the water heater. Don’t … Store combustible materials within 18 inches of your water heater.
What should you not put around a gas water heater?
Remove any gasoline containers, paint cans, paint thinners, paper products, and other flammable materials from around your gas water heater. Store them in a safe place away from the hot water heater or dispose of them responsibly. These paint cans are stored too close to the water heater (and a furnace that’s not visible).
How to keep water heater from causing fire?
What happens if your water heater is not working?
Do you have to clear the area around a water heater?
Can you store water heaters in utility closets?

How much space do you need around a hot 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.
Is it safe to store paint near a hot water heater?
Safely store chemicals, paint and other dangerous goods It is never a good idea to store harsh chemicals or paint indoors. Besides being dangerous to children and pets, the fumes these products release can be a fire hazard, especially around the open flame of a gas furnace or hot water heater.
Can you put a dryer next to a water heater?
There should be no problem locating two gas burning appliances close together as long as you have proper ventilation. The reason your manual says not to put two items is a closet is that they may create excessive heat when used together.
Is it safe to sleep next to a water heater?
It is perfectly safe to sleep in a room with an electric water heater. Gas water heaters should not be placed in a bedroom unless they are direct vent type or separated by a weather-stripped self-close door. The combustion air must always be drawn from the exterior.
Can paint cans be stored near a furnace?
It is a violation of nearly all fire codes to store both flammable and combustible liquids near ignition sources, like your furnace. That would include any oil-based surficial finish (paint, stain, varnish, spray paints, etc.).
Can I store paint next to furnace?
Never leave any combustibles in the furnace room. Don't store anything near your furnace that's combustible at low flash points – like gasoline, paint and paint thinners. Always keep the area free of dust and debris – vacuum and clean around your furnace and water heater tank to prevent dust buildup.
Where is it safe to store paint?
Always store paint in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and where the temperature stays above freezing. Before storing, wipe away any excess paint on the outside of the can.
Can you store paint in a boiler room?
Paints can be combustible, so storing them near your furnace increases your risk of fire. They also contain solvents and chemicals that may become dangerous when exposed to high heat, especially for a long time.
Is it okay to store things like brooms and mops in the water heater ...
Answer (1 of 5): It depends upon the hot water heater closet. And don’t store anything on top of the hot water heater, to prevent dials or such from being bumped. Hot water heaters in my area are almost all electric, and are almost always in a closet. Some closest are just big enough for the ho...
Regulations on Placement of Hot Water Heaters | Hunker
If you are installing a hot water heater, you must place it according to your local regulations and codes. These can differ from state to state and even county to county, so make sure you call your local government offices to make sure you place the heater in a correct position.
What Is the Average Clearance Needed Around a Hot Water Heater?
The clearance space needed around a hot water heater is dependent upon whether the heater is a gas or electric model. Twenty-four inches of service clearance in front and two inches on the back and sides is recommended for gas water heaters, whereas electric heaters do not require minimum clearance.
hot water heater - fire hazard - Landlord Forum thread 242975 - The LPA
I have a tenant that is storing a great many items around the gas hot water heater in her unit. I've asked her 3 times to remove the items in close proximity because it is a fire hazard.
Where are gas water heaters not allowed to be installed?
Because a gas water heater is defined as a “fuel-fired” appliance by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC M2005.2), there are life-safety concerns relating to making sure that combustion gases are exhausted outside the living area, providing adequate air for combustion without depleting the oxygen in the living area of the ...
How to keep water heater from causing fire?
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.
What happens if your water heater is not working?
When it is not working correctly, you cannot enjoy a hot shower or heat your home. By not keeping it well maintained and taking certain precautions, it can pose a safety risk to your home and family.
Do you have to clear the area around a water heater?
Since water heaters run on electricity or fuel such as oil, propane, or gas, it is important to ensure that your water heater has adequate space for proper ventilation.
Can you store water heaters in utility closets?
Therefore, utility closets that may house your water heater could become a viable solution for storing excess items that simply do not have a home elsewhere. Depending on what you are storing near or around the water heater, this can potentially be a cause for concern as well as a safety risk to you, your home, and others.
Is it bad practice to store combustible materials near operating devices with flames or other sources of high?
It is poor practice to store combustible materials near operating devices with flames or other sources of high temperature, especially in confined areas.
Can you store water heaters on top of a hot water heater?
It depends upon the hot water heater closet. And don’t store anything on top of the hot water heater, to prevent dials or such from being bumped.
Can you put things against a water heater?
I found people putting all kinds of things on the water heater and had a few crack pipes. Wouldnt be a problem if it's your own home. I definitely wouldnt sit anything on it. Or put things against pipes if they aren't copper. Cpvc is really brittle once it has some age on it, and pex will split at compression fitting “connection spots”
Most powerful showerheads? I want to be destroyed
I've concluded that the bathroom is the most important room in my house, as it is the place of spiritual sanctuary. And I thought about it, and you know, I don't feel alive in showers like I want to. Therefore, I want to invest in a showerhead that will annihilate my corporeal being.
take care of your contractor and they'll take care of you
i recently embarked on a fairly ambitious home renovation -- i (30M, live alone) purchased my home 2 years ago from an older couple with 4 adult children with down's syndrome. the floorplan of the house was incredibly strange owing to their desire to control how people moved through the house.
My smart Water leak alarms saved my basement today
I was in the shower and the phone went off. I checked it and my sensor next to my water heater went off. Ran down stairs and there was water accumilating next to the heater.
New (Old) Home Smells Like Garbage
I recently moved into a very old home in Chicago and now part of it smells like garbage.
I gave my fireplace a face-lift (pics and details inside)
Earlier this year my wife talked me in to updating our fireplace and building a mantle of sorts. It's something we (she) has wanted to do for a while. While we were at it I changed the flooring to match the rest of the house.
How do I fix this bad design? Water pooling outside the shower
I have just moved into a house with this lovely en-suite bathroom. It looks great, however the narrow screen means the floor outside is soaked after every shower. The concrete sloped base in the shower has a lip so water can’t be pushed into that area and to the drain.
What to do if water heater is standing in water?
If the water heater is standing in water. Don’t touch it. Leave your home immediately and call the gas company.
Where is the shut off valve on a water heater?
Another safety precaution is to find the shutoff valve. It’s located typically on the gas line parallel to the water heater. When the valve handle is in line with the gas line, the pipe is open. To shut it off, turn the handle clockwise until it is perpendicular to the gas line.
How to tell if gas is leaking from water heater?
Natural gas is colorless and odorless. But the gas company adds a strong odor to it so you can detect a gas leak. If you smell gas, close the gas shut-off valve (see above) to the gas hot water heater.
What to do if you smell gas in your basement?
One such emergency might be that you smell gas coming from your basement. When this happens, the first thing to do is call your gas utility company. They will diagnose the problem.
What to do if gas leaks in house?
PRO TIP: If you suspect a serious gas leak in your home, don’t hesitate. Immediately leave your home and call your gas utility company. This is a dangerous and explosive situation best handled by the experts.
How to make a boundary around appliances?
Use tape, string, chalk, or paint to establish a boundary around the appliances. A minimum boundary of 18 inches is required, though further is even better. Then teach your children never to cross it without an adult.
Can you store flammable materials in a gas water heater?
By its nature, a gas water heater uses a gas-fired flame to heat the water in its tank. So, it’s important that you not store flammable materials anywhere near a gas water heater. Here’s what you want to do.
What is a tank water heater?
Tank water heaters are household/commercial devices that consist of a cylindrical container that keeps water continuously hot for things like those long showers you love, cooking, and laundry. They’re usually found in storage closets or garages of homes and are powered by an energy source like electricity or gas. While water heaters look non-threatening, if a problem is left unattended, it can pose a real danger to both your home and your family.
What happens if there is no water flow?
If there is no water flow or minimal drips, the valve needs replacement. The drain lines should also go down and out, not up. A valve with these faults can result in a catastrophic combustion and the explosion can lead to extensive damage to your home or worse – bodily injury or death to those who live in the house.
Should you remove anything from a tanked water heater?
If you have a tanked water heater that is powered by gas, you should remove anything and everything near the water tank that is combustible. Storing flammable liquids and/or materials near the pilot light is a recipe for disaster.
Is a water heater an important component of a home?
If you’ve ever taken a shower and enjoyed the warmth of the water trickling down your head, only to experience the frigid rush of the water turning cold after a few minutes – you understand that your water heater is an important component of your home!
Is carbon monoxide dangerous to water heaters?
Carbon monoxide is a potential danger with all combustion appliances and should be protected against very seriously. While this is not an all-inclusive list of precautions to take when it comes to your water heater, it is a good place to start. If you feel like your water heater needs an assessment or maintenance, ...
Do water heater vents go up or down?
While ventilation is pretty technical, you should at least make sure your water heater vents are free of dips, that they go up and out (rather than up and down), and that they are the same diameter as the tank’s diverter. Vents should also be properly screwed in, especially in areas of your home that are considered earthquake zones.
Can a water heater cause carbon monoxide?
As aforementioned, improper water heater ventilation can cause fumes to leak into your home. If your water heater is fueled by gas it is imperative that you install a carbon monoxide monitor in your home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that carbon monoxide poisoning – an odorless and colorless gas – kills 200 people each year and sends another 10,000 people to the hospital. Carbon monoxide is a potential danger with all combustion appliances and should be protected against very seriously.
How to store water heater in laundry room?
If you're water heater is stored in a utility closet next to your laundry room, install a few shelves to keep bulk purchases, such as laundry soap and starch. An ironing board may also be folded up and placed along a wall until it is needed. Install hooks for other off-season items, such as gardening tools and holiday lights, along the walls as well. It keeps them organized and out of sight until you are ready to use them.
How to make a storage closet around a water heater?
If you are looking for a way to create a storage closet around an open hot water heater without building anything, consider placing a large decorative screen or hang up curtains from the floor to the ceiling to conceal it. (Allow for a safe distance between the objects and the heater for safety.) This way you have the walls around the heater also hidden. Use that space for hanging smaller cabinets, open shelving or hooks. Customizing a large peg board to hang utensils or a large corkboard or chalkboard for notes are other options for creating extra usable space.
What to do with a water heater closet?
Use the empty area in your water heater closet to store rarely used items cluttering up your house.
Can you put anything near a water heater?
Refrain from putting anything near the burner access as this could create a fire hazard. This is especially true of any item that is flammable, such as extra heating oil or materials such as blankets or linen. Avoid storing items in a water heater closet that are susceptible to moisture damage such as books or papers.
Where is the furnace room in a house?
If you had to pick a room homeowners use the least, it would probably be the furnace room, right? Your furnace room is most likely hidden away in the basement, and the only time you visit it is to show the HVAC technician where it’s located.
Can you hang kitty litter on a furnace?
Kitty litter – Litter has ammonia fumes that can corrode the furnace’s heater exchange. Wet clothes – Don’t hang them from your furnace; they can cause a fire and will prevent proper airflow. Combustibles – Some examples are gas or paint. Consider moving these things into the garage or better yet into an outdoor shed.
How to keep water heater from causing fire?
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.
What happens if your water heater is not working?
When it is not working correctly, you cannot enjoy a hot shower or heat your home. By not keeping it well maintained and taking certain precautions, it can pose a safety risk to your home and family.
Do you have to clear the area around a water heater?
Since water heaters run on electricity or fuel such as oil, propane, or gas, it is important to ensure that your water heater has adequate space for proper ventilation.
Can you store water heaters in utility closets?
Therefore, utility closets that may house your water heater could become a viable solution for storing excess items that simply do not have a home elsewhere. Depending on what you are storing near or around the water heater, this can potentially be a cause for concern as well as a safety risk to you, your home, and others.
