Water Heater Drain Pans: Why They’re Required and How to Install One
Water heaters hold a lot of water and their supply lines carry more of the water used in a home or office. For this reason, water heater failures involve gallons upon gallons of water being released into structures. Damage by water heaters failing while homeowners are out of town is catastrophic to the home. The most unfortunate part of these incidents is that they are completely avoidable. A properly installed drain pan under a water heater will protect against such flooding.
What Is a Water Heater Drain Pan?
A water heater pan sits under a water heater and provides spill containment in cases where the equipment fails. If the water tank leaks from its base or water outlets, the drain pan is designed to catch the liquid and evacuate it to the exterior of the structure through a preinstalled drain line.
Are Drain Pans Required by Code?
Standard plumbing codes in many jurisdictions require the use of catch pans under water heaters. These codes are key in preventing damage to home and living units in multifamily structures like apartments and condos. When a water heater is installed in second stories or multiple stories in a building, there is particular risk of damage through all the floors of the building.
Whenever a water heater is installed inside a building, a spill containment pan should be installed under the appliance.
Do water heaters need a drain pan?
Choosing the Correct Water Heater Drain Pan
When choosing a water heater drain pan, consider the size of your tank, the configuration of your drain, and how durable you want the protection.
- Tank Diameter - the pan you choose will need to be larger than the diameter of your water heater. Also, take notice of any appendages on your water heater that may interfere with the drain pan.
- Drain Fitting - how is your drain pipe configured? Will it connect to the side or bottom of the water heater pan? What diameter is the drain pipe?
- Durability - the best choice is a pan that will give you long service life and protection against a water heater failure.