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Secure your water heater. There should be very little space between the water heater and the wall. Wrap the heavy-gauge metal strapping 1½ times around the tank. Secure this strapping to the wall studs or the wood block using several 1/4″ x 3″ or longer lag screws with oversized washers.
Can you put a hot water heater in a closet?
Water heaters can be installed in bedroom or bathroom closets, if necessary or preferred, but only if they’re an electric, direct vent or sealed combustion chamber unit. Other water heaters that use fuel combustion are not permitted to be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms or closets that open into these rooms.
Do electric water heaters need to be strapped?
(1) All water heaters must be strapped, whether gas or electric. (2) Two straps are needed, one in the upper one-third and one in the lower one-third of the fixture. (3) Straps may consist of either plumber’s tape (at least 24 gauge) or half-inch-diameter metal conduit.
Do water heaters need to be double strapped?
The State of California requires that all water heaters must be strapped to resist motion during an earthquake. All water heaters must be strapped in at least two locations; the upper one-third of the unit and the lower one-third. The lower strap must be a minimum of 4″ above the water heater control unit.
Is it OK to enclose a water heater?
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.
Does a hot water heater closet need to be vented?
When a residential, gas fired water heater is installed in a closet, the heater combustion gases must be vented to the outside of the residence and the fresh air needed for combustion must be drawn in from outside the home using double wall metal pipe; single wall pipe is not permitted.
What is the code for strapping a water heater?
California Plumbing Code Section 507.2 requires that all water heaters shall be supported and strapped to prevent movement during an earthquake. Two metal straps, not less than 22 gauge, nor less than 5/8-inch wide shall be used.
How do you secure a water heater?
Secure your water heater. There should be very little space between the water heater and the wall. Wrap the heavy-gauge metal strapping 1½ times around the tank. Secure this strapping to the wall studs or the wood block using several 1/4″ x 3″ or longer lag screws with oversized washers.
What states require double strap water heaters?
In addition to California and Alaska, areas of Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii also fall under the Uniform Codes’ seismic zones 3 and 4, where water heaters are specifically required to be anchored.
How do I hide my water heater in my closet?
Ideas for Hiding a 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.
How do you enclose a hot water heater?
If you have a gas water heater, cut holes into the drywall for the air vents. Place one vent hole 12 inches from the floor in one wall, and the other vent hole 12 inches from the ceiling of the adjoining wall. Apply a coat of primer to the drywall and allow it to dry, then coat the drywall with two coats of paint.
Can you put a gas hot water heater in a closet?
Yes, a gas water heater can be installed in a closet as long as the closet is not used for storage. The International Residential Code (IRC) specifically bans a storage closet as a location for a gas water heater.
Can you enclose a furnace and water heater?
If you are finishing your basement and building walls, incorporate a small area to enclose the furnace, AC, and or water heater. These louvered doors provide great ventilation. Another option is to create a set of built-in shelves in the door that don’t even look like a closet.
What is the proper way to vent a gas water heater?
The venting must be vertical or upward sloping so that the hot exhaust rises up through the venting to exit your home. Making sure that your home has a properly working vent system is imperative when installing a standard atmospheric vent with your water heater.
Can you drill into a water heater?
Do not drill into the water heater or it will be unusable. Once a hole is drilled use a thin object such as a pen or screwdriver to poke inside and locate the hex head.
Does FHA require water heater straps?
What does FHA say about water heaters? Lastly, regardless of whether the water heater is gas or electric, earthquake straps are required in California on standard water heaters. Ultimately since the gas water heater was on the ground during an FHA appraisal inspection, it had to be raised to meet current code.
Do water heaters need to be double strapped in Utah?
As a minimum requirement, water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement caused by earthquake motion.Title 15A Chapter 3 Part 3 Section 305. Index Utah Code Title 15A State Construction and Fire Codes Act.
What are earthquake straps?
Earthquake straps are a must-have if you live anywhere prone to geological activity. They’ll hold heavy items of furniture in place during an earthquake to reduce the risk of damage and injury, and are especially recommended for bookcases, which can deal considerable damage if they topple.
What are seismic straps?
Water heater straps, also known as earthquake straps, are required in many areas of the United States. They are designed to secure the water heater from toppling over in case of an earthquake.
Can a water heater touch the wall?
water heater can sit against wall, but this can restrict air flow so keep stuff away from gas water heater.
