14
LOCATING THE WATER HEATER
Carefully cho ose a location f or the new water heater. The
placement is a very import ant consideration for the safety of the
occupants in the bui lding and for the most economical use of t he
water heater.
Property Damage Hazard
All water heaters eventually leak.
•
Do not install without adequate drainage.
•
CAUTION
Whether replacing an existing water heater or installing the
water heater in a new location observe the following critical
points:
1. The water heater must be located indoor s.
2. The water heater must n ot be located in an ar ea where it
will be subject to freezing temperatures.
3. Locate the water heater so it is prote cted and not subject
to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
4. Locate the water heater on a level surf ace.
5. Locate the water heater near a floor drain. The water heater
should be located in an area where leakage of the tank or
connections will n ot result in damage to the area adjacent
to the water heater or to lower floors of the structure. When
such locations cannot be avoided, it is recommended that
a metal drain pan, pip ed to adequate drain, be installed
under the water heater. Drain pan should be fabricated
with sides at least 2” deep with diameter at least 2” greater
than diameter of h eater. Pan must not restr ict combustion
air flow.
6. Locate the water h eater clo se to the point of major h ot
water usage.
7. Locate the water he ater close to a 120 VAC power supply.
See Power Supply on Pag e 18 for requirements.
8. Locate the water heater where an adequate supply of fresh
air for combustion and ventilation can be obtained. See
Combustion Air and Ventilation on Page 15.
9. Locate the water heater where the vent a nd intake air
piping, when installed, will remain within the maximum
equivalent lengths allowed. See Venting on Page 25.
10. Do not locate the water heater where noise (suc h as
the Co mbustion Bl ower) during normal operation will be
objectionable in adjac ent areas.
11. Do not locate th e water heater where th e subsequent
installation of th e vent (exhaust) or intake air terminations
would be object ionable due to n oise at the ter mination(s).
This inclu des locations close to or across from w indows
and doors. See Venting starting on Page 25.
Do not locate water heater area s where flammable liquids
(vapors) are li kely to be present or stored (garage s, storage
and utility areas, etc.): Flamm able liquids (such as gasolin e,
solvents, propane (LP or butane, etc.) and other substances
(such as adhesives, etc.) emit flammable vapors which can be
ignited by a gas wat er heater ’s igniti on devic e or main b urner.
The resulting flashback and fire can cause death or serious
burns to anyone in the area.
Also, the water heater must be loc ated and/or protected so it
is not subject to physi cal damage by a moving ve hicle.
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
Carpeting must be protected by metal or wood panel beneath the
water heater extending beyond the full width and depth of the water
heater by at least 3” (7.6 cm) in any direction, or if the water heater
is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire oor must be covered
by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in a re hazard.