The placement of your water heater can have a significant impact on its overall performance, energy efficiency, and risk of causing water damage in the event of a leak. As a homeowner in Texas, it’s crucial to be aware of your water heater’s location and its implications for your home’s maintenance and potential vulnerabilities.
Water Heaters Outside Or In The Garage
outdoor or garage placement of water heaters requires consideration. Conventional tank-style water heaters, whether gas or electric, are not designed to withstand direct exposure to the elements and need protection from the weather. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, it’s common to find them installed in garages, particularly in newer homes built in cities like McKinney and Frisco over the past few decades.
Since garages are often not temperature-regulated, wrapping any exposed pipes connected to the water heater is essential to safeguard against freezing temperatures. However, as long as the water heater is operational and receiving its necessary internal heat to prevent itself from.
Tankless water heaters are designed to be suitable for outdoor installation in certain cases. In such as those in the Frisco/McKinney region, tankless water heaters are commonly situated in exterior metal cabinets that are integrated into the brick or stucco siding. Similar to traditional tank-style water heaters, it insulates the plumbing pipes for tankless water heaters, and the tank automatic freeze protection when the house receives electricity.
Having a tank-style water heater or tank, the garage is usually the best spot for houses in the northern Dallas metro area. If there is a malfunction the unit begins to leak, and the impact on the home is typically limited.
Water Heaters Inside The House
Water heaters were typically installed inside older homes constructed before the 1970s. These homes often use gas water heaters, which are commonly next to a gas furnace the laundry room or a separate mechanical/utility closet. This setup is frequently seen in areas like Plano, Richardson, and Carrollton where many homes are of older construction.
In the past 50 years, the practice of placing gas or electric water interior closets has become less frequent, but it has not completely vanished. Many modern homes still feature this design element for various reasons.
One benefit of this method is that the water heater is typically situated in a central location, allowing for quick access to hot water throughout the home. Additionally, these water heaters are more accessible for homeowners to regularly check and maintain, making it easier to identify and address any potential issues.
When these water heaters develop leaks, they can cause significant harm to the surrounding property. Although they installed a backup drain pan to mitigate potential damage, a severely leaking water heater can quickly overwhelm the pan’s capacity, leading to costly and messy consequences – a scenario that occurs with alarming frequency.
Many individuals with water heaters may consider moving them to another location to free up closet space for other uses. However, relocating a water heater can be costly as it requires rerouting gas piping, water lines, vent ducting, and more. It is often more practical to plan on replacing the water heater preemptively once it reaches 9 or 10 years old to minimize the risk of potential damage.
Water Heaters In The Attic
For decades, the attic has been a favored spot for installing water heaters in residential construction. From a builder’s standpoint, this location is often the most cost-effective, as it typically requires minimal venting and gas piping. Additionally, placing the water heater in the attic keeps it hidden from view and frees up valuable living space.
Unfortunately, the attic is a particularly hazardous location for installing a gas or electric water heater. Due to their remote location, these units often go unchecked and uninspected by homeowners, leaving them vulnerable to potential disasters. In the event of a leak, the resulting overflow can have devastating consequences, including collapsed ceilings and extensive damage to floors and belongings below.
To minimize the risk of water damage, some homeowners consider switching to tankless water heaters. However, while tankless models may not have a predictable lifespan like traditional tank-style heaters, they are still susceptible to leaks and subsequent damage when they malfunction. The size of a water heater tank can be deceiving, as it’s the water pressure from the plumbing system, rather than the tank itself, that poses the greatest threat of damage.
In summary, regardless of whether you have a tankless water heater in your attic or a traditional tank-style one, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections and maintenance. It is recommended to inspect all visible connections on the water heater, recirculation pump, and expansion tank for any indications of moisture or corrosion several times annually.
Consider replacing the water heater before it reaches the end of its expected lifespan as a proactive measure. Additionally, think about adding a flood protection device or water alarm system for added security.
What’s next?
If you’re curious about water heaters, be sure to explore our detailed FAQ blog post. This article addresses frequently asked questions regarding the operation maintenance of water heaters.
For those considering a new water heater, our service pages offer detailed information on the various types of water heaters we offer, including gas, electric, and tankless models, as well as the installation services we provide.
If you need further clarification or would like to inquire about costs for water heater replacement or repair, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable and experienced customer service team is available to discuss your specific needs and provide personalized assistance:469-361-2700
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