You should also place a drip tray under the unit to catch any water that leaks out of the tank, including from the pressure release valve. secura boil The water heater begins running but no glow from the ignitor. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I was wondering what most guys use to level their heaters. While checking the water heater, remember to look at the water connections. Again, be sure to follow all applicable codes, including state and local, and the manufacturers installation instructions. Incorrect installation can lead to the water heater malfunctioning or causing a hazard such as a fire. How do you recognize mold and get rid of it?
Try a piece of 3/4" plywood cut to the shape of the tank and shim the plywood. JavaScript is disabled. In some of our articles we provide links to products that may be beneficial given the subject matter of the content. Professional consultant and writer on structural, electrical, plumbing, code and other building defects with over 40 years experience as a general contractor, inspector and instructor. I have an existing Electric water heater that needs replaced. Be assured the reliable Wobble Wedges can hold up to 2,000 pounds of weight. propane furnaces pumps heat vs monitoring tank program level Copyright These requirements can be complicated and difficult to understand for many homeowners. Concrete floors are designed to slope toward a drain to prevent flooding in your building. When a water heater leaks and the water penetrates the wooden platform, the wood weakens, especially if this condition goes on for a long period of time. There has to be something wrong or dented or junk stuck to the bottom to be throwing it off by ten degrees. Home Plumbing Water Heater Leaning Water Heaters Can Be A Safety Concern: Check The Platform. And holding it up crooked? 1995-2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. If no, then it's possible that when you add the weight of the water to it, it will level out. secura And with it being gas, well do I need to say more. Vent Connections / Carbon Monoxide Poison, Water Heater Vent Clearance to Wood or Combustionable Materials: 1 inch or 6 inches, Mold In A Home: Getting Rid Of It, Insurance and Key Facts, Strapping of Water Heaters for Earthquakes, How To Get Rid Of Mold In A House, Plus Legal Requirements, T & P Valve Missing On a Water Heater is Major Safety Hazard, Gaps At Bottom of Garage Door, Causes and When Serious, The "Painted Ladies" Are Over 100 Years Old and Still Beautiful. There are no legs on the heaterjust a flat metal base. Each gallon of water in the tank weighs 8 pounds.it is done all the time in dirt cellars . When installing an indoor water heater, its still a good idea to raise it off the floor if the area floods (especially in a basement). Put a black iron nipple under the low spot. JavaScript is disabled. Do You Need A Permit To Install Or Replace An Existing Water Heater? They will not swell or rot, like wooden shims, when placed under a hot water heater tank and exposed to excess moisture or flooding.
Does Insurance cover it? Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum. You could pour a small pad of concrete in a form, it would be fairly easy to make one 4" tall on the downhill side and 3" tall on the uphill side. I know gas/propane etc. To keep it "high and dry", my water heater is sitting on bricks on the concrete basement floor, and not too far from a sump and pump. So depending on the type of hot water heater you have, from a 6-gallon tank that weighs 76 pounds up to a 115-gallon tank that weighs 1,183 pounds, there is no job the Wobble Wedge cant support. Condensation??? We receive a small commission if you choose to purchase a product or service after following one of our affiliate links but the price is the same for you. Our superior quality and outstanding customer service guarantee we stand by our product every step of the way. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I need a way to prevent the 400 pounds of water pushing down over time from damaging the base of the heater. Is yours correct? Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved.
The first two days the pilot for the water heater lit and heated my water. You may freely link The pilot light comes on, but the burner won't. So dont let your hot water heater issues get the best of you, save time and money by selecting the Wobble Wedge today. It was perfectly level before I filled it up, but now it's way off (you can notice it by just looking at it).
Leaning Water Heaters Can Be A Safety Concern: Check The Platform. Can I just shim the downhill side, or should I make some sort of low platform? Website operating Camping Chair From Trippy Outdoor Is Rugged, Innov What Does An RV Propane Gas Leak Smell Like? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciatedThanks. home improvement and repair website. In addition, plumbing issues with hot water heaters can lead to mold and mildew, which can become costly problems. If the water heater supply lines / connections are flexible tubing, then there is probably less stress. In addition, Wobble Wedge interlocking ridges wont slip apart once underweight. I have a Richmond Powervent gas water heater. If the platform is level and the pan is level then the big question is why isn't the water heater level? However, leaning hot water heaters can be a safety concern and do long-term damage to your property. If he's stuck in his ways, I guess it doesn't matter what you show him. Are you flexible lines too stiff? You are using an out of date browser. Moisture stains and dark discolorations on the wall or platform may be a possible warning sign. For the best gas water heater installation in the Amarillo, TX area, trust the team at Pratt Plumbing. Mice and a few structural engineers might. If you install an electric water heater or a gas water heater with a sealed combustion chamber, this requirement may not apply to you. Durable Wobble Wedge plastic shims are not susceptible to water damage. coast I recently installed a new 40 gallon water heater. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (806) 373-7866. Are there legal considerations? I have never heard it would affect the lighting of the pilot light. I am going to use composite shims. If you are replacing the water heater or rebuilding the platform, remember to put a pan under the water heater. Plumbing, Piping, Water Heating, Wells, Air & Water Filtration and Conditioning, Gas Water Heater - residential vs comercial, Slow bathroom faucet with nozzle that can't be removed and cleaned, How to go about the diagnosis of partial partial power outage, Reinforcing porch for 3 person porch swing, Surface ignitor won't light automatically.
Composite door shims worth just fine. To level the heater, the "downhill" edge needs to be raised about 1". If the basic platform structure appears sound and only the plywood sheeting has sagged, then laying a stronger (thicker piece) of new plywood over the old may provide the needed support for the water heater. Whether youre a professional plumber or capable DIYer, installing a hot water heater takes patience and craftsmanship. View our Privacy Policy here. You must log in or register to reply here. That is enough to stabilize and support any hot water heater tank at total capacity. A house can be over a hundred years old and still be beautiful and charming. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Use as many as necessary. Since moisture damage to the water heater platform is one of the primary reasons for a leaning water heater, it just makes good sense to check for evidence of mold and mildew in the area. If I turn the ignitor off and then back on manually, it DOES beginning glowing, and it fires up. I am a master plumber for a living and shim every water heater I install in basements with composite shims. I don't think that most electric water heaters have feet. David Jones - Consultant, General Contractor, Inspector. I just use a few nailing plates myself. If it is leaning then probably one of the feet has collapsed. (Read more on mold and mildew). I'm looking for advice on purchasing a new water heater. Dust Storm Safety: What To Do If You're Camping Or Review: Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro - Portable Power Auburn RV Park at Leisure Time Campground. If I pull the vacuum hose off of the motor and put it back on the pilot light ignites and I can hear it still try to spark it (normal?). All information is provided "AS IS." FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL US ON ORDERS OF $50 OR MORE*** Dismiss. And to deal with your sloping floor, just try different combinations of bricks or patio blocks of various dimensions turned one way or another at three points under your heater until it is standing straight! You can stack and combine Wobble Wedges to get the perfect height. No matter what type of building, floors are rarely perfectly level. Would this affect the pilot light? heater water gas leak occur should With just one gallon of water weighing eight pounds, its easy to see why these appliances need to be stabilized. There only a fewdollars. The easiest way to do this is by purchasing a water heater stand, which should be strong enough to hold the tank when its filled with water. Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice. By logging into your account, you agree to our. All rights reserved. The stand it's on it sturdy and level, and it's exactly where the old one was. It won't break the lining, shove something under it, all that stuff on the bottom is simple sheet metal. The Uniform Plumbing Code is the national standard, but its also important to follow all state and local codes. Any thoughts? I was out 2 weeks ago with my 1987 345. There won't be any heat there ,you just want something strong. If the wall area has possible mold evidence, then if possible, check on the other side of the wall for similar evidence and if the water heater is on the second floor, then check the ceiling area under it. Wobble Wedge plastic shims are a highly versatile tool with superior functionality that helps you get the job done faster. With all this weight, the platform may sag or the legs of the water heater sinks into the wood or drywall, and the water heater is no longer plumb, it leans. For safety purposes be sure to Hardly anyone notices a gap at the bottom of a garage door.
Airstream Trailer & Motorhome Owners Community, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. Maybe he doesn't want to spend money on shims. Then you wouldn't ahve to worry about it ever getting wet and rotting. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. I'm not sure how it got this way after filling it up. Doug, I would say not to shim it, I feel it could cause the glass lining to break or cause you a problem. Most hot water heaters are installed in basements, garages, kitchens, and restaurants with intentionally unlevel flooring. Homeowners often correct and repair small mold and mildew areas themselves, but at times will hire a professional to investigate and correct any problems. A leaning water heater is not a tourist attraction, but can be a safety concern. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Simple rules to follow when strapping your water heater. I recently had to replace our gas water heater since the bottom rusted out. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Tall Texan RV Park Is A Must-Visit In Colorado. If the platform is badly damaged, then rebuilding the platform is best. Have them look at it, it is a warranty issue. I moved the rv to dump and when I settled in again I couldn't get the pilot to stay lit for the water heater. Does your health insurance travel with you? I would definitely try to straighten it up if it off noticeable. Humming, popping, cracking, sizzling, ticking, gurgling and hissing noises occur for different reasons. Basically the two main causes for water heaters to lean, is that the platform had water damage and is no longer as strong as it was, or a larger water heater was put on a platform built for a smaller water heater. A $15 to $40 valve can prevent an explosion of the water heater. for the tank and 420 lbs. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.
I'm installing a new water heater on a floor sloped significantly toward a nearby floor drain. It only has to be about an inch or so thick.
Have you ever walked into someones garage and noticed their water heater was raised high off the ground? RV Propane Tank Covers: Do You Really Need Them?
Currently parked in my sisters driveway, hot water heater wont light. Was fine last week before i moved it. 
Something else is wrong. Currently about 4 degree incline wondering if that could prevent it from lighting?? DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Made proudly in the United States, the patented Wobble Wedge comes in all shapes, sizes, materials, colors, and numerous customizable options that make it perfect for any job. When the water cools (either from time or use) to where it should ignite, it doesn't. suggestions. What's the best way to level the water heater? Any suggestions? ***SHIPPING NOTICE: You can buy stepped wedges at most hardware stores designed just for that purpose. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. 
Come join the discussion about the industry, trades, safety, projects, finishing, tools, machinery, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Thanks. It has a hot surface ignitor. Use Wobble Wedges to solve unlevel flooring below your hot water heater tank and ease needless stress on plumbing and joints. Water Heater Calcium Deposits -- What to do? Instead, the requirement is 18 inches of clearance between the pilot light or lighting mechanism. Is there any height adjustment on the feet? Having a properly plumbed pan under the water heater generally reduces damage to a water heater platform. When it comes to refrigerators, being level has everything to do with how the cooling functions. Flatten the ears of course. The weight of a 50 gallonwater heater; approximately 150 lbs. BuyersAsk is owned by an Engineer, Doctor and Home Inspector/Contractor. We welcome your comments and Make a square or round frame and pour it full of self leveling compound and sit the water heater on top of that. for the water, equals about 570 lbs. 
The clearance is to prevent fires or explosions if a flammable liquid (such as gasoline or motor oil) spills on the garage floor. We might be able to do something about it. you could sell the copper and still have money left over for shim. For your hot water heater to work correctly, you dont want it rocking, leaning, or wobbling. A forum community dedicated to professional construction and remodeling contractors. cartridge Go look at your water heater and see if it is set at a safe temperature. Water heater pans provide protection for the floor but need to have a proper drain hooked to them. Plus, if you decide to install a new tank water heater at your home (which we dont generally recommend), you should be aware of codes for ground clearance. Affordable RVing Solutions That Can Save You Money. If the connections are hard-piped, then leaning water heater may put undue stress on the water pipes. Can you get rid of mold yourself? New water heater - Vent pipe seems not to be plumb ? I need a way to prevent the 400 pounds of water pushing down over time from damaging the base of the heater. All Rights Reserved. Or a stone. Did you fill it with water yet? The 18-inch ground clearance is just one of many important codes and best practices for water heater installation. Our #1 goal is to provide accurate and thourough information about home condition, home safety, real estate transactions and more. You must log in or register to reply here. Gas tank water heaters installed indoors do not need to be 18 inches off the ground, at least according to national codes. Add a piece of plywood on top of existing platform? 
It looks like you're using an ad blocker. Its not to avoid impact by a garage or other items, as some people may think. Otherwise the burner could heat the heat exchanger or whatever unevenly. Thank you for all of your suggestions. I was more sloped in my parking space. Proud to be one of Amarillos Oldest Plumbing Service Companies. 
According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a natural gas tank water heater should be installed at least 18 inches from the ground. It stays lit until the water is completely heated so I wouldn't think it's the themocoupler. Plumbing/water heater- spots recently on ceiling downstairs, 2 story house. Articles for every homeowner, buyer or agent who wants to know whats major, whats minor and what is just normal when it comes to your home. No need to complicate it any further. Whether you own an under-the-sink, tank, or tankless, also known as on demand hot water heater, we have you covered. You could shim it and then squirt a little sprayfoam under it to stabilize it. Its also important to note that this measurement doesnt necessarily start at the bottom of the unit. What is considered a safe temperature for your water heater to be set at. I don't think your water heater requires level to light. I use smashed copper..i smash it into a wedgeit has never collapsed when the heater fills up.I don't smash multiple pieces and stack them.that would take too much timeI spend probably 3 minutes leveling it.1/3 of the time its just fine w/o any shims. I think that most gas water heaters have feet that hold the bottom off the floor. Then you have a big mess. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be It might look strange, but its actually a safety precaution. If I cycle the vacuum hose on and off the motor several time I can get it to light the burner. Going strong since 1985, weve been helping professionals and business owners ensure their projects are done right and on time. You need to do some exploring to find out why it's not level when the platform and pan are. No problem leveling, you can use some sheet metal pieces to level, or even large flat washers . 2022 Pratt Plumbing. New wate. You are using an out of date browser. First, use a carpenters level to check the sides of the hot water heater and ensure its straight. If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. Boy, I don't think so. This could stress the plumbing joints and ultimately cause a leak. Water Heater Noises: Which Ones Are Serious? JavaScript is disabled. kettle secura insightful How To Keep Your Dog Cool While RVing This Summer, Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Beta 1, Furnaces, Heaters, Fireplaces & Air Conditioning, Airstream Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums, Tank Level Sensor - Just Learned Something. maybe he don't know what a composite shim is..have you ever shown him? Try disconnecting the supply lines and see if it sits level then. Materials like wood or composite are easily penetrated by water and not only warp over time but can affect the stability of your structure. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads. When the water heater is just a little out of plumb, many owners will just monitor the water heater and if the situation gets worse, then they fix it. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. It is Rheem that is about ten years old. Thats why its better to leave water heater installation to qualified professionals. They are engineered to sit flat. as the water is quite heavy and can cause the heater to topple over. are supposed to. Why does the water heater need to be 18 inches off the ground?