How do you strap a water heater in a closet?

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.

Should I put my hot water heater on blocks?

When installing an electric water heater in your basement, it should be placed on a stand to keep it off the floor. You can create a stand for your water heater, at virtually no cost, by using a few cinder blocks or bricks to raise the water heater off the ground.

What states require strapped 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.

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.

Can a hot water heater be 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.

Does a water heater need legs?

Water heaters only need to be raised (per code) if they are using an ignitable fuel source (gas, propane, etc). And even then, the code is that the ignition mechanism is what needs to be raised. If your water heater is electric or a heat pump, no need to raise it per code.

How high should a water heater be off the floor?

According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a natural gas tank water heater should be installed at least 18 inches from the ground.

Can I use plumbers tape to strap water heater?

Note: Perforated iron strap (plumber’s tape) will not be an acceptable material for strapping or bracing water heaters over 40 gallons. Drill pilot holes on the centerline of the stud (both sides of the heater), Insert screws through punched holes in the strap. Use minimum 22 Gauge X 3/4” wide metal strap.

How hot should I set the water heater?

A water heater should not be set beyond 125 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures over 125 degree fahrenheit can burn both children and adults quickly and severely, boilers must be locked at lower settings. Two seconds of exposure to water at 150 degrees will severely burn a child.

Does a water heater have a thermostat?

Nearly all residential hot water heaters have two thermostats and two heating elements. In normal, low water usage conditions, the lower element is the one doing the work. It is only under high water requirements that the entire tank will cool down; the lower element will then shut off and the upper element takes over the load.

How big is a water heater?

The size of water heaters varies a great deal. A unit with a 2 1/2 gallon capacity can measure 14 x 14 x 10 1/4 inches. Heaters with capacities of 10, 20 and 50 gallons will be much larger.

How hot is the water from a tankless water heater?

Depending on the brand and model, most tankless water heaters have a temperature setting that is adjustable between 100° to 140° (most tank water heaters are set around 120°). In order to make sure the water will be hot enough, it’s important that a tankless water heater is sized based on your climate and hot water needs.