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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.
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.
How do you hide an exposed water heater?
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 much space should be around a water heater?
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.
Does a water heater 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.
How do you strap a water heater in a closet?
Wrap the heavy-gauge metal strapping 1-1/2 times around the tank. Start by placing the strapping at the back of the tank. Bring it to the front and then take it back to the wall. Secure this strapping to the wall studs or the wood block using several 1/4-inch x 3-inch or longer lag screws with oversized washers.
Can you put stuff in water heater closet?
Storing items in the water heater closet is extremely dangerous. The pilot light flame underneath the heater may set fire to the items stored near it. If the flame is accidentally extinguished, the fumes can create an extremely hazardous, highly combustible situation.
Can I put a curtain around my water heater?
Curtains. Perhaps the simplest way to hide your furnace and water heater is to add a sliding curtain as a divider. You will need to measure the wall height to determine proper curtain length, as well as the needed width. Be sure to give a few inches of clearance so the curtain doesn’t touch your heater.
Do water heater blankets work?
Yes! Water heater blankets really work! They’re essentially an add-on feature that can be applied to any tank-style water heater to improve its energy efficiency. They’re also very easy to install.
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.
Can a water heater be vented out a sidewall?
There are three types of venting and only a power vent is allowed to terminate at a sidewall. venting system (vent piping) and chimney by natural means. flame retention burners). a structure to the outside atmosphere in lieu of a chimney.
Can I vent my water heater through the wall?
The air that is used for combustion will come from the water vent, this vent will either through the roof or from the outside of the wall. This means that only one single pipe is required to go through the roof or wall where the clean air is moved and the off-gasses will be vented.
Can I use PVC to vent gas water heater?
PVC is fine. As Jason mentioned, plastic (PVC or ABS) is ok to use as a venting material on powervented hot water heaters. They work by sending a huge amount of air in with the flue gases that it decreases the temperature of the exhaust going through the vent enough that it will not comprimise the vent.
How many straps are required on 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.
Can I put a shelf above my hot water heater?
It’s fine as long as it is an electric water heater. If it was a gas water heater then you would not be allowed as you can’t store anything in a closet with a fuel fired water heater.
Is a hot water heater a fire hazard?
Yes, a water heater can cause a fire. Proper maintenance and safety precautions can drastically decrease the risk of a fire. Don’t store flammable materials or liquids near a gas water heater.
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.
Should you drain your water heater periodically?
It’s generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. Water heaters are typically a fairly low maintenance appliance, but remember to drain yours regularly. This may help keep it running efficiently and the hot water flowing.
What is the R-value of a water heater?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends installing a water heater insulation blanket that has no less than an R-value of 8, but there are higher R-value rated blankets available.
