Replies

1. 
   DanH | Nov 27, 2008 02:55am | #1

   It would be in the manufacturer's specs.

   The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one. --Wilhelm Stekel
2. 
   Scott | Nov 27, 2008 09:04am | #2

   I've never seen clearance specs stated by a WH manufacturer.

   I wonder 1) how have you handled the top connections for water in/out and pressure relief valve and 2)does the floor package flex much from traffic above?

   Scott.

   
   

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   Edited 11/27/2008 1:04 am by Scott

3. 
   sawzall | Nov 27, 2008 09:05am | #3

   I just installed one like you described.  Inspected too.

   When installing it, I positioned it so the anode rod was between the joists, so it could be changed. I did have to cut it down to 9" so you could get it out.

4. 
   woodway | Dec 07, 2008 06:34am | #4

   One very important check that should be done is that the heater has it's flue gas vented to outdoors not just under the crawl space area. That implies the the proper clearance should be maintained between combustibles and the sides of the gas vent pipe.

1. 
   KFC | Dec 07, 2008 10:15pm | #5

   with slope.

   k

1. 
   woodway | Dec 07, 2008 11:09pm | #6

   Yes, with slope as much as possible, correctly sized and installed by a professional who understands gas venting principals and considers the type/size of water heater involved.

5. 
   PatchogPhil | Dec 08, 2008 12:14am | #7

   If your heater is too close for specs,  then a new shorter heater is needed or dig a hole to lower it.  Also you could reframe the floor joists making a double joist box to gain clearance.

   If replacing,  look around for short, stubby wide electric water heaters meant for tight spaces like under a kitchen countertop.  Mobilehome specialty maybe.  Thirty inch high is not uncommon for 30 to 40 gallon.

   Tankless is an option.

   And there are replacement anodes that are collapsible and interlinked,  made for tight locations.

   Maybe your electric rates are low,  but electric water heaters cost a lot to run.  Perhaps gas tankless is a better option,  mounted elsewhere if not allowed in crawlspace.

    

    

   Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?