How high should my gas water heater be off the ground? Your gas water heater should be 18 inches off of the ground, as per the National Fuel Gas Code. This is the standard for water heater installation requirements.
Compliance with Building Codes
In many jurisdictions, building codes require water heaters to be elevated at least 18 inches above floor level.
The water heater doesn't need to be elevated unless it is directly exposed to any ground moisture which will facilitate the development of rusts contributing to the early deterioration of the appliance...
The water heater installation code requirements state that gas- and oil-fired water heaters with an ignition source require a raised platform that lifts them at least 18 inches from the floor. This ensures that if a spark or flame occurs, it remains away from any possible flammable vapors that may appear on the floor.
There shall be a minimum clearance as required by the manufacturer, but not less than four inches from a hot water storage tank to a wall. For water heaters with service ports there shall be minimum clearances for service as follows: Cleanout opening: 18 inches. Manhole opening: 24 inches.
603.5. 3 Heating Appliance Clearance to Combustible Materials
A minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) shall be maintained between gas or fuel-oil heat-producing appliances and combustible materials. A minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) shall be maintained between solid fuel-burning appliances and combustible materials.
There are several reasons for having your water heater placed on a hot water heater steel platform. The most important one is to prevent fire incidents. Lifting your water heater prevents flammable fumes and vapors' from spilled gasoline or any other combustible fluid from lying on the floor in the garage.
Tip. Depending on the type of water heater you have, you'll need to raise it off the floor by a certain amount. Electric and heat pump hot water heaters can be on concrete floors, but gas water heaters need to be at least 18 inches off the floor.
Water heaters having an ignition source shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the garage floor.
Put the water heater at a sufficient height:
Experts suggest that you should install the geyser at a height of at least 1.8 metres or 6 feet from the floor. This ensures that the water pressure is sufficient and you get a strong hot water flow in your tap rather than a trickle.
There are various methods for elevating a water heater, depending on the specific requirements and available space. Newer homes with gas-fueled water heaters may have a raised concrete platform or a similar feature. More commonly, however, water heaters are situated atop a small metal stand.
In areas likely to flood, water heaters should be elevated at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation (BFE). In seismic areas as well as areas prone to coastal flooding, storm surge, and severe high winds, the water heater should be secured to prevent it from toppling.
If the water heater is located in an area that you use for any activities, installing a drain pan ensures your belongings are not damaged in case of a leak. It is especially important if there are costly electronics or electrical outlets that can create a fire hazard.
Your gas water heater should be 18 inches off of the ground, as per the National Fuel Gas Code. This is the standard for water heater installation requirements.
IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVISORY: NEVER balance a water heater on cinder blocks or other materials that are not rated to hold a weight larger than that of your water heater.
The water heater should be installed 18" off the floor. The garage should also have vents that are located just above floor level about 4 inches.
By code in every state, gas water heaters MUST be raised, typically at least 18 inches above floor level. Electric water heaters are not REQUIRED to be raised, but it is good practice to raise these also, for the reasons given in the other answers posted here.
Testing has indicated that locating ignition sources at an elevation of 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor in these areas provides a degree of safety due to the time delay for the vapors from a spilled combustible liquid to build up to ignitable concentrations at the elevation of the ignition source.
Most water heaters are "zero-clearance" for flammable surfaces. But, it's best to keep at least 4 inches from the sides and rear, and 24 inches in front. Local codes might have different rules, so check with experts or your local building department.
Standard hot water heaters usually last for about 10 years. This is another reason laminate flooring is a great choice for a laundry room. It is tough enough to handle water from a leaky water heater, and resilient enough to handle the load of the water heater.
Whether you're trying to save space or meet installation code requirements, Quick Stand™ water heater stands and platforms provide code-compliant support and a quick installation. QuickStand™ provides three options: floor stands, ceiling platforms and wall mounted water heater hanging platforms.
To correctly install your rainwater tank, it must be placed on a firm, level and flat base, free from any rocks, stones and sharp edges. A concrete pad is recommended, however, a compacted sand base or other consolidated fill such as crusher dust is also suitable.
Many plumbers who fit a hot water cylinder on the ground floor install a single pipe from the hot water cylinder to act as a vent and a hot feed.
Water heater pans sit directly below your water heater and usually have a hole and piping to divert water to a nearby drain. That way, if a leak occurs, water has somewhere to escape without damaging the inside of your house. In many cases, water heater drain pans are even required by law.