Raise HW tank onto strapping?

HomeownerDustin

I'm installing a new HPHW heater in my MA basement. Wondering if I should place some leftover wooden strapping or PVC strips below it to create an air gap and avoid heat loss out the bottom? I know they sell those insulating pads, but it seems like 3-4 strips would work just as well (better?).

ethicalpaul

I don't think you have to worry about it. Water heaters are insulated.

Larry Weingarten

Hi I agree with Paul. However, if the basement floor is damp, and if the bottom of the tank is steel, it will encourage rusting. In that case, I'd lift the tank off the floor a bit.

Yours, Larry

Ron Jr._3

Best to go with manufacturers instructions for placement on a floor. Wouldn't hurt at all to raise it on solid 4 inch blocks though.

ethicalpaul

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1812105#Comment_1812105

Yeah this is good thinking about the rust. I have mine in a pan like:

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-WHPP24-24-Water-Heater-Drain-Pan-w-1-PVC-Fitting-Plastic

HomeownerDustin

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1812125#Comment_1812125

Thanks! I did put it in a pan (also to assist with the built-in leak detection).

mattmia2

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1812125#Comment_1812125

Mine is in a pan and on blocks because the floor slopes away from the drain. With the pan I have a pipe that runs toward the drain.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Hot water tanks these days are insulated pretty well. I recently went on vacation for two weeks and as I always do I kill the breaker on out 50 gallon EHW htr and shut off the main water supply.

When we came home I turned on the water and the circuit breaker and put my dirty clothes in the washer on cold water only.

Within 5 min the electronic control on the water heater was up to 120 operating set point so it obviously did not lose much temp in two weeks.

I agree if the basement floor is damp or wet I would raise the heater a few inches and put a plastic sheet between the supports and the tank. Whatever you use wood or cinder blocks will wick water up from the damp floor.