Clearances and Accessibility

IMPORTANT: The water heater should be located in an area where leakage of the tank or connections will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to lower floors of the structure. Due to the normal corrosive action of water, the tank will eventually leak after an extended period of time. Also any external plumbing leak, including those from improper installation, may cause early failure of the tank due to corrosion if not repaired. If the homeowner is uncomfortable with making the repair a qualified technician should be contacted. A suitable metal drain pan should be installed under the water heater as shown below, to help protect the property from damage which may occur from condensate formation or leaks in the piping connections

or tank. The pan must limit the water level to a maximum depth of 1-3/4” and be two inches wider than the heater and piped to an adequate drain. Locate the water heater near a suitable indoor drain. Outside drains are subject to freezing temperatures which can obstruct the drain line. The piping should be at least 3/4” ID and pitched for proper drainage.

FIGURE 1B.	Pipe to an
	adequate drain

1-3/4”

max.

At least 2” greater

than the water heater.

Water heater life depends upon water quality, water usage, water temperature 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 metal 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 metal drain pan. These devices are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in various ways:

EXHAUST FAN

REVERSE FLOW

OF GASES

FIGURE 2.

NOTE: Minimum clearances from combustible materials are stated on the label on the front of the heater adjacent to the gas control valve/thermostat of the water heater.

The water heater is certified for installation on a combustible floor.

•IMPORTANT: If installing over carpeting, the carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood panel beneath the water heater. The protective panel must extend beyond the full width and depth of the water heater by at least five inches (127mm) in any direction; or if in an alcove or closet installation, the entire floor must be covered by the panel.

•Figure 2A may be used as a reference guide to locate the specific clearance locations. A minimum of 5 inch- es of front clearance should be provided for inspection and service.

			6” min. at
			Single Wall
12” min.			Vent Pipe
			Vent Pipe

Top to
Top to
Ceiling

0” min. Back

0” min. Sides

0” min. Air Inlet Chamber

5” min.

Front

Top View

• Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that trigger an

	alarm or turn off the incoming water to the water heater	Minimum Clearance Locations
	when water is detected.	Minimum Clearance Locations
	when water is detected.

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

FIGURE 2A.

State of California

NOTE: The water heater must be braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid moving during an earthquake. Contact local utilities for code requirements in your area, visit http:// www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov, or call 1-916-445-8100 and request instructions.