LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER
FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCATION
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater in a new location, the following critical points must be observed.
This manufactured home
This water heater has been designed and certified as a direct vent (sealed combustion) unit and no draft diverter is to be used.
Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible and noncombustible construction are 0” from sides, 0” from back, 4” (10.16 cm) from front of jacket to closet door and 27” (68.58 cm) from top of jacket to combustible material. Minimum vent clearances: 6” (15.24 cm). Provide 24” (60.96 cm) front clearance for servicing and adequate clearance between the jacket top and ceiling for servicing the flue area.
The combustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.
Combustion air must be supplied from outside the manufactured home by way of the furnished 3” diameter (30 Gallon [113.56 Liter] and 40 Gallon [151.42 Liter]) or 4” diameter (50 Gallon [189.27 Liter]) air intake duct assembly. A 3 1/2” (8.89 cm) diameter (30 Gallon [113.56 Liter] and 40 Gallon [151.42 Liter]) or 4 1/2” (11.436 cm) diameter (50 Gallon [189.27 Liter]) floor opening below the water heater is required to accommodate the air intake duct assembly. Weight of the water heater on duct gasket seals the water heater to air intake duct assembly.
When a manufactured home is skirted, an air intake opening with a minimum free area of 32 square inches (81.28 square cm) must be provided in the skirt. If the opening is covered by louvers or screen, the total free area must be 32 square inches (81.28 square cm). Other gas fired appliance in the home will require additional free air openings; consult these manufacturers for correct sizing, see Figure 3.
FIGURE 3.
If the manufactured home is installed over a basement or crawlspace, combustion air must be supplied from outside the manufactured home. The combustion air intake piping can be 3” (7.62 cm) PVC for 30 Gallon (113.56 Liter) and 40 gallon (151.42 Liter) models and 4” (10.16 cm) PVC for 50 Gallon (189.27 Liter) models. The air intake piping cannot exceed a total of 30 feet (9.14 m) including vertical
and horizontal runs and have no more than 3 elbows. All horizontal runs require adequate support at 3 1/2 feet (106.68 cm) intervals., see Figure 4.
FIGURE 4.
The water heater should be secured to the floor and to the wall of the enclosure with the mounting brackets provided. For bracket location refer to Securing Water Heater to Floor and Wall” in the “Installing the New Water heater” section.
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 metal drain pan should be installed under the water heater. Metal drain pans are available at your local hardware store. Such a metal drain pan must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (51 mm) greater that the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow. When a metal drain pan is required, see installation instructions on page 9.
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 metal drain pan piped to a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a leak detector or water
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