Water heater placement is something that homeowners don’t think about often. Not unless something has gone wrong, or a larger unit is needed to keep up with demand and it won’t fit in the space your current water heater occupies. However, it is a crucial consideration. A water heater can cause serious damage to your home if the unit isn’t located in a safe spot.
Here, we’ll discuss the importance of water heater placement, and best practices ensuring your new water heater installation in Normal, IL is in just the right spot!
What is the importance of water heater placement?
If you have ever had a water heater leak, you’ll know the importance of placing it correctly. Incorrectly installed water heaters can cause damage to siding, flooring, personal items, and more.
Even though the placement of your water heater meets all local building regulations, it doesn’t mean that it is well-placed to protect your home. If the water heater is too close to an exterior wall, or not raised enough from the floor, it can still flood the area with water. To guarantee a professional, well-placed water heater installation, it’s important to consult a licensed, insured, local plumber with experience.
Are there local requirements for water heater placement?
Each state and county in the U.S. has its own building codes and regulations. Before you consider changing the location of the water heater in your home, make sure you know what the requirements are for the area. Covenant Plumbing has water heater specialists well-versed in Normal, IL plumbing codes and regulations.
The most important requirement is that your water heater has to be placed against an exterior wall to allow for flue access. For safety and water flow, the water heater installation must be level. You may also need to place the heater 18 inches above the floor.
Water heaters require a designated space. Often, water heaters can be found in laundry rooms or utility rooms, as they already have a water connection. Your options might be limited to another area, such as the bathroom.
The water heaters are typically located in the utility area with other appliances like washing machines, sinks, and cleaning products. What if you don’t have the space or need some ideas on where to place your water heater?
Do you prefer inside or out?
It will depend on your home’s characteristics and the space available as to whether you can safely put a new water heater installation indoors or outdoors. You can install water heaters outside, but it is not always preferable.
However, if the laundry room or utility room space is an issue, you can place the water heater outside or in colder locations, such as garages or balconies. To prevent product damage and protect from the elements, such as rain, sun or wind, an insulating cover will be required.
But…where is the ideal spot?
Consider the comfort of your home. Find a space that doesn’t interfere with your daily life. A water heater may not be the most appealing product, and some prefer to keep it hidden in a utility cupboard, for example. However, if you don’t have enough space here, a bathroom can be a great place to put a water heater installation. Here, the hot water will reach your fixtures faster. The correct drainage and waste pipes are already installed, making it convenient.
Safety regulations for gas and electrical equipment must be followed. The main electrical source for the water heater must be outside the bathroom. For maintenance or ventilation, there must be enough space around the unit. It is best to keep your water heater in a bathroom cupboard. This will preserve your bathroom décor, as well as protect it from any possible water splashes. There should be space between the cabinet top and the top of the water heater installation, as well as between the bottom of the unit and the floor of the cabinet.
Other alternatives for water heater placement include the kitchen, utility room, or attic. If going for an attic installation, the pressure relief valve needs to be easily accessible and visible because the steam and scalding water from the discharge can cause damage to asphalt, roofing felt, and other non-metallic materials. Any drainage must be placed away from any electrical components. They should also terminate in a safe location where there is no danger to people or objects.
The water supply to the tank must be potable water from a public water main supply. Any water treatment equipment should also work properly. To minimize heat loss in the pipe network, you must consider the distance between the new water heater installation and any water outlets. Pipe runs should be kept as short as possible.
Water heaters with storage tanks should be positioned to allow easy servicing and replacement of the sheathed heating element and magnesium anodes. It should be at least 500mm above any surface or object and 100mm away from walls, ceilings, or other objects, such as cabinets. Wall mounting is considered a good idea for most water heaters. The wall mount should be able to hold the heater’s weight and up to three times its maximum capacity. When installing, make sure there are no hidden utilities such as electricity, gas, or water below the water heater installation.
This list is by no means exhaustive; for a true understanding of the best location, talking to a professional at Covenant Plumbing about your individual circumstances is recommended. The best place for your water heater will depend on your available space, size of the heater, and much more.
Our company is locally owned and has been fully licensed to undertake water heater installs, maintenance, repairs and replacements since 2006. Not only that, we hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Call Covenant Plumbing today to get practical advice on heater placement and schedule water heater installation in Normal, IL with a company you can trust.
