The short answer to whether a water heater can be enclosed is “Yes ,” but there are some important things to consider when placing a hot water heater in an enclosed area, whether the unit is gas or electric. Any hot water heater must be installed in such a way as to prevent spills and allow easy access to controls.
Do water heaters need ventilation?
All water heaters that burn natural gas or liquid propane (LP) gas require a venting system . The process of burning of the gas is called combustion and it creates heat, exhaust gases (including highly poisonous carbon monoxide), and moisture.
Can a water heater be enclosed?
In most instances, a home's water heater is placed in the basement. ... You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet .
How can I hide my hot water heater?
- Add a Closet. If you have the space, you can hire a contractor to install drywall and a door. ...
- Create a Hot Water Cover or Cabinet. Creating a cabinet is a great option if you want something less permanent than a closet. ...
- Hang Curtains. ...
- Use a Room Divider or Screen.
Can water heater go against wall?
In water heater is installed inside small room without enough air supply, then power vent water heaters are available to draft air into water heater from outdoors. ... water heater can sit against wall , but this can restrict air flow... so keep stuff away from gas water heater.
How much clearance is needed around a gas water heater?
Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible and noncombustible construction are 0” at the sides and rear , 4” at the front, and 6” from the vent pipe. Clearance from the top of the draft hood is 12”. Refer to the label on the water heater located adjacent to the gas control valve for all clearances.
Where should a water heater be placed in a house?
Water heaters tend to be tucked away in the garage, basement, crawlspace or attic and sometimes in their own closet . Its placement in the house affects how fast the water will heat up in the kitchen or bathroom.
Can I vent my water heater with my furnace?
Many homes are built with the water heater and furnace sharing the same exhaust vent. This practice is common with standard efficiency (80%) furnaces. When installed correctly, this venting arrangement works with an 80% gas furnace (or less than 80%) + gas water heater.
How do you vent a water heater?
Atmospheric gas water heaters vent their exhaust through a vertical or upward sloping metal duct vent to exit the home. This venting may either be dedicated to the water heater or can be shared with other atmospheric vent appliances, such as a furnace. Atmospheric venting works on the principle of hot air rising.
Can you paint a hot water heater?
A water heater can be painted . Care must be taken to mask parts of the water heater that get hot. When painting a gas water heater, it is absolutely vital that the gas valve is turned off, and the water heater unplugged, so that the pilot light can't ignite the paint fumes.
How do I hide the water lines in my laundry room?
The best ways to hide exposed pipes on a wall are to cover them with large items such as bins and baskets, build a wall shelf in front of them, or use pipe covers to conceal them . You can also box in the pipes with trim or cover them with fitted pipe covers.
Does a water heater have to be perfectly level?
New water heaters or water heaters that are placed on an un-level surface, need to be leveled and shimmed for them to work properly. All real estate properties must be equipped with a hot water heater, and damaged ones need to be replaced before the property is considered marketable.
Can a water heater sit on wood?
The tank base can actually be sitting directly on a combustible surface (e.g. carpet or wood etc.).
Is it safe to sleep in a room with a water heater?
It is perfectly safe to sleep in a room with an electric water heater. Gas water heaters should not be placed in a bedroom unless they are direct vent type or separated by a weather-stripped self-close door. The combustion air must always be drawn from the exterior.
Can a water heater cause carbon monoxide?
Home furnaces and water heaters are a major source of carbon monoxide poisoning , usually from poorly vented fuel sources or leaking vent pipes. Ideally, you should have your furnace and water heater inspected by a professional at least once a year.
