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.Select a location indoors as close as practical to the gas vent or chimney to which the water heater vent is going to be connected, and as centralized with the water piping system as possible.
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” (51 mm) greater than the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow.
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
•Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater while at the same time shutting off its water supply.
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED (GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, 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. 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.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
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