Can a water heater be installed directly on the floor?

Category: home and garden home appliances
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Re: Non-elevated Water Heater
It can sit directly on the slab if the slab stays dry and your gas/plumbing code allows it,most do allow the new fvir heaters to sit on the floor.



Also asked, can you put a water heater on the floor?

Yes, Gas water heater can not be installed on the floor/ground. Gas water heaters on the ground are possible to explode due to the pilot flame being so close to the floor. Water heaters should not be placed directly on the “dirt,” but they can (absolutely) be installed at floor level with no danger of “exploding.”

Furthermore, where should a water heater be placed in a house? General Placement. Most regulations are fairly simply, and require that water heaters be placed against an external wall of the house. This is why most hot water heaters are in garages or basements. You will want to place your water heater next to an outer wall to make room for the flue.

Furthermore, should a water heater be off of the floor?

The Uniform Plumbing Code, which establishes standards nationwide, says that the flame or sparking mechanism in a gas water heater must be at least 18 inches off the ground. This means that an accurate measurement for proper installation is not based on the distance from the bottom of the water heater to the floor.

Do water heaters have to be elevated?

Water heaters only need to be raised (per code) if they are using an ignitable fuel source (gas, propane, etc). And even then, the code is that the ignition mechanism is what needs to be raised. If your water heater is electric or a heat pump, no need to raise it per code.

30 Related Question Answers Found

Do I need a drain pan for my water heater?

Pans & Drains
It's generally recommended, and required, to install a drip pan with a drain line beneath your hot water heater tank. Especially if you water heater is in your home or basement, a leak could cause lots of water damage. A pan and drain eliminate this possibility.

Should I put a pan under my water heater?

According to UPC Section #510.7: “When a water heater is located in an attic or a furred space where damage may result from a leaking water heater, a watertight pan of corrosion resistant materials shall be installed beneath the water heater with a minimum three-quarter inch diameter drain to an approved location.”

Does water heater need to be on a stand?

Gas water heaters that do not need to be on a standWater heaters should be elevated above the floor by at least 18 inches. A pilot light may ignite spilled fluid or floor-level flammable fumes if the water heater is placed at floor level.

How much does a 60 gallon water heater cost?

Gas Water Heater Costs vs. Electric Water Heater Pricing
Tank Tankless
Recovery Rate 1-2 hours 30-60 minutes
Energy Efficiency 95% 60-70%
Cost Over 12 Year Lifespan $6,250 $5,000
Price of Unit $200-$2,880 $250-$1,800

How do you tile under a water heater?


Attain professional help if necessary to remove the water heater prior to tiling the floor.
  1. Sweep the floor to remove debris.
  2. Measure along the base of each wall and place a mark at the midway point.
  3. Position and place a tile so the edges are aligned with two of the snapped chalk lines.

How much clearance does a water heater need?

Air Circulation. Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation.

Can you put a hot water heater under the house?

There is no other place to put the water heater except for under the house in the crawl space. I can even walk under some spots so the water heat should fit just fine.

Can gas hot water heater sit on concrete floor?

Re: Water heater sitting on Concrete
The tank itself is not in direct contact with the slab so there is limited heat transfer, esp. Gas direct vent fireplaces that are placed on concrete are recommended to have a thermal energy break but not required.

Why do builders put water heaters in the attic?

Re: What is the history and or reason for water heaters in attics in Texas homes ? They are in the attic to save s.f. in the living space which they can charge for. They also do not fare as well in the attic space due to elevated moisture levels in ambient air in a hot/humid climate.

Can water heaters be outside?

An indoor tankless water heater is installed inside your home. An outdoor unit is installed outside the home and is designed to withstand the elements. Indoor tank less water heaters must be installed so water created by condensation can be drained away from the heater.

What is a Califont?

Typical domestic califont. A califont is basically a tank-less on demand gas powered water heater. Califonts provide hot water only as its needed. There is no tank or energy lost waiting to use the stored hot water. They burn gas to heat cold water instantaneously.

Is it hard to install a water heater?

Most residential water heaters cost $150 to $400 for either gas or electric, plus $200 to $450 if you have a plumber install it. More expensive gas water heaters with special venting systems also are available. But they're more difficult to install, and we won't deal with them here.

Why put an expansion tank on a water heater?

The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater, preventing excessive water pressure. If water pressure gets to high it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and the water heater itself.

Is an expansion tank necessary?


Although many jurisdictions now require an expansion tank to be installed at the same time that a water heater is installed, an expansion tank has not always been required in the past and may still not be required in some regions.

Should I install an expansion tank on a water heater?

When is it required? An expansion tank is always highly recommended if you have a 'closed-loop system' caused by any kind of check valve or pressure regulating valve installed on your house's water supply line. A common analogy compares having high water pressure in your home to having high blood pressure.

What size is the pan for under a water heater?

5.1 Pan size and drain. The pan shall be not less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) deep and shall be of sufficient size and shape to receive all dripping or condensate from the tank or water heater. The pan shall be drained by an indirect waste pipe having a minimum diameter of 3/4 inch (19 mm).