Water Heater In Attic Safe

Installing a tank water heater might seem easy but homeowners who refinish their basements often create a number of code violations with respect to the water heater.

Water heater in attic safe.

Whether or not you can install a tankless water heater in your attic depends on your attic. Code expert glenn mathewson describes 10 common water heater code issues including confusion about drip pans and drains unsupported expansion tanks and plastic vents lack of combustion air and more. No it is unsafe to have your water heater in your attic since it can break leak and cause water damage before someone notices. Leaks from a water heater can be major depending on where the leak is coming from damage can be to attic flooring insulation drywall and even flooring if it leaks a long time a 50 gallon water heater will overflow the pan and then some if it bursts or the bottom rusts out mold can form from the moisture in your attic.

Tankless water heaters are great options since they don t store heated water making them less likely to cause water damage. Your attic can easily reach temperatures of 120 140 degrees which is optimum for keeping the water in your tank sufficiently hot without using any energy. Truth be told the attic may be the best place to hide your tankless water heater. Simply put as long as there is enough combustion air provided tankless water heaters can be installed in any area of your home from a utility room to a garage to yes even an old dusty attic.

Moving it downstairs to a first floor interior closet or garage is the safest option.