Locating the NEW Water Heater

FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCATION

Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater, because the placement is a very important consideration for the safety of the occupants in the building and for the most economical use of the appliance. This water heater is not for use in manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.

Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater in a new location, the following critical points must be observed:

1.The location selected should be indoors, as close as practical to the outside wall through which the water heater vent is going to be installed, and as centralized with the water piping system as possible. The water heater, as all water heaters, will eventually leak. Do not install without adequate drainage provisions where water flow will cause damage.

2.Selected location must provide adequate clearances for servicing and proper operation of the water heater.

Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are available at your local hardware store. Such a drain pan must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) greater that the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate drain. Drain pan depth must allow for access to the outer doors for servicing the pilot and burner.

Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may result in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped to a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a leak detector or water shut-off device used in conjunction with a piped drain pan. These devices are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in various ways:

•Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected.

•Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.

•Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water pressure differential between the cold water and hot water pipes connected to the water heater.

•Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater while at the same time shutting off its water supply.

INSTALLATIONS INAREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (VAPORS) ARELIKELYTOBEPRESENTORSTORED(GARAGES,STORAGEAND UTILITYAREAS, ETC.): Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane [LP or butane, etc.] and other substances such as adhesives, etc.) emit flammable vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s pilot light or main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area, as well as property damage. If installation in such areas is your only option, then the installation must be accomplished in a way that the pilot flame and main burner flame are elevated from the floor at least 18 inches (45.7 cm). While this may reduce the chances of flammable vapors, from a floor spill being ignited, gasoline and other flammable substances should never be stored or used in the same room or area containing a gas water heater or other open flame or spark producing appliance. NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from other areas of the structure to the appliance.