water heater off the floor

[Vinko]

I'm sure there's a thread on this somewhere

I've got a 80 gallon water heater that's currently on the floor.

I've been told that this is not the best place for it -- I was thinking of making a stand out of 2 x 2 metal sq. tubing in a sort of "box shape" Maybe 6" from the ground. I'm not sure how I'd "strap" the heater to the stand -- probably something designed for earthquakes I could mod. and fit.

Anyone know what the code is in California is? Hell, I'm not sure what the reasoning for elevating this heater is, in the first place. Seems that it'd be more stable on the floor.

But obviously I don't know jack about it.

 

[tomroblee]

The need for elevating a water heater depends on what fuel the heater uses and where it is located. Combustible gases such as gasoline fumes are generally heavier than air and tend to accumulate near floor level. The flame in a gas or oil fired water heater is located very near the bottom of the heater. Elevating the water heater reduces the chance that a fire or explosion will be caused by the flame in the water heater if someone spills some gasoline in a garage. Obviously, having a flame is not an issue if the water heater is electric.

A second issue to consider is the possibility of flooding. Elevating a furnace or water heater located in a basement is common sense.

Consult your local codes for requirements in your area. If you are making your own stand, you might want to Google "water heater stands" to see pictures and dimensions of some commercially produced models.