Add Pan Under Water Heater

A water heater drain pan works as a drip collection unit.

Add pan under water heater.

Open the t p valve and completely drain the water heater. The tpr valve temperature and pressure relief is leaking it s the device on the top or side of the water heater with a small flip up arm that opens when the water temperature or pressure in the tank is too high. With assistance lift the empty water heater and slide the pan underneath. 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.

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. If it s time to replace your water heater or if you are doing drain service on the existing water heater you may need to install a drain pan under the water heater. However hot water heater pans which come in a few sizes and are made out of aluminum really should go under any new installs. Installing a drain pan can be completed within an hour just make sure you have all the materials ready and read on to find out more.

If you have an older home and can somehow muster the strength and have the room to play with it would be a good idea to slide one under your existing hot water heater. In most cases yes. Once the heater is back in place reconnect the water lines. Note that many pans have a discharge hole which should be pointed in the direction you wish drainage to flow.

We can think of six different reasons why water would be in the pan under your water heater. Whether you need a drain pan under a water heater is mostly determined by the location where it is installed. The ca plumbing code requires this and our experience shows that la county will enforce it. Close the t p and drain valve.

How to install a water heater drain pan. Pans and drains a water heater which is located on a built in platform or in an interior location where damage may occur from water leakage is to have a pan with a drain line to the exterior positioned under the unit.