Do Not Store These Items Near the Water Heater
In addition to using less energy, part of the appeal of tankless water heaters is that they take up less space than traditional models. So, unless you have a vast basement with no storage space, your tank water heater takes up valuable real estate.
It may be tempting to use the space around the water heater and stove as a back room for storing household supplies, but this is not the best or the safest idea. Here are some examples of items that should not be stored near the water heater, as well as other tips to ensure it works properly.
Do not store these items near the water heater.
Most traditional tank water heaters run on either gas, electricity or, more rarely, oil.
Electric models are not only the smallest of the lot , but also the safest when it comes to what’s stored nearby because, unlike gas or oil water heaters, they don’t have a warning light. However, the tank itself can get very hot , and an electric water heater can spark , so it’s best not to store anything flammable or combustible nearby.
How close are we talking? The general rule is to keep any flammable or combustible materials at least 12 to 18 inches away from the water heater. Here are some examples of such items :
- Any type of paper, including books, magazines, photographs, and cardboard
- Paint thinner
- Cleaners
- Petrol
- Garbage
- Coat or other clothing
- Rope
- Brooms and mops
- Solvents and other household chemicals
- Paints, varnishes, stains
- Wood (especially if it’s old)
Give your water heater the space it needs
In addition to keeping combustibles away from your water heater, there are a few other things you can do to keep it running efficiently and safely.
First, whether you have gas or electric, do not cover the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve, drain, or water heater control panel. Also, if yours is gas powered, never cover the top of the unit or block access to the igniter, air intake or draft. These precautions help ensure adequate ventilation and airflow around the device.
Finally, keep the area around the water heater relatively clean. It doesn’t have to be flawless, but it’s a good idea to wipe or brush off any buildup of dirt and dust. This is especially important if you have a gas or oil water heater because many types of dust are combustible, including dust from wood, various metals, and textiles such as cotton.
Also, if/when your water heater starts to leak , it will be easier to deal with if the place is not cluttered or dirty.