While all water heater pans will protect you against unexpected leaks, the best options are made from either metal or rubber. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, but either one is great for containing and diverting water heater leaks.
So if you’re a savvy homeowner looking to protect your home with a water heater pan, this guide will help you make the right decision.
Flooding, water damage, and mold are homeowners’ worst nightmares. Luckily, water heater drain pans can prevent these disasters in the event of a leaky water heater.
Water heater pans sit directly below your water heater and usually have a hole and piping to divert water to a nearby drain. That way, if a leak occurs, water has somewhere to escape without damaging the inside of your house.
In many cases, water heater drain pans are even required by law. Most building codes state that water heaters installed above the ground level, in an attic or ceiling, and in an interior living space need a drain pan. The International Plumbing Code 504.7 covers the usage requirements for water heater pans.
Metal is an excellent choice for water heater pans. These pans are a proven line of defense against flooding in the event of a water heater leak. While aluminum is a common choice, steel is especially good because of its rigidity.
High-quality steel pans, such as the 28-inch round stainless steel drain pan from Killarney Metals, are corrosion-resistant and have a pre-cut drain hole for a PVC drain fitting. This drain hole allows homeowners to install a pipe to drain spills away from their water heater and into an appropriate drain.
There are many benefits to metal water heater pans, which is why they’re such a popular option.
Strength: Steel water heaters have incredible durability that allows you to use them for years to come. They’re also not susceptible to cracking under temperature changes, as is the case with cheaply made plastic water heater pans.
Attractive: Metal looks great and blends in nicely under your water heater for a seamless look. Especially for homeowners where their water heater is not behind a closed door, a water heater pan that’s barely noticeable is certainly a plus.
Odorless: Water heater pans made of metal such as steel or aluminum do not have an odor, unlike rubber or plastic options.
Despite being an excellent choice for water heater pans, the metal versions have a few drawbacks.
Denting: Metal water heater pans, especially cheaply made aluminum ones, are susceptible to denting. Whether the dents occur in shipping or while in use, they can compromise the integrity of the pan, and leaks may still occur.
Conduction: Since metal is a conductor, it steals heat away from your water heater. Fortunately, homeowners can mitigate this costly problem by using an insulation blanket in conjunction with a metal water heater pan.
Newer to the market, rubber water heater pans are another great option for preventing water heater leaks from damaging your home. They can even save you money on energy bills due to the insulative properties of natural rubber.
Drain pans such as the 24-inch natural rubber drain pan from Killarney Metals can be as effective as more expensive metal options for protecting your home from flooding and mold caused by water heater leaks. Plus, natural rubber pans are lighter-weight and have insulative properties that metal pans do not.
Natural rubber makes an excellent material for water heater pans. Not only do these pans prevent water damage, but they have other fantastic properties as well.
Insulation: Rubber is a natural insulator, so rubber water heater pans provide a barrier that prevents heat loss through the bottom of your water heater. Depending on the age of your water heater, between 25% and 45% of its heat is lost through the cold floor. So rubber water heater pans are excellent for energy savings, especially when your water heater has an R-value of less than 24.
Durability: Unlike cheap plastic water heater pans, rubber water heater pans can take a serious beating without being damaged. You can even run one over with your car, and it would be fine!
Value: Rubber water heater pans tend to be much less expensive than metal pans while still providing the same level of protection. While some plastic pans may cost less than rubber, they can be cheaply made, causing them to crack and break.
Despite all of the great benefits of rubber water heater pans, there are a couple of drawbacks you may consider.
Smell: Natural Rubber has a smell. While most people are not bothered by this, those with sensitive noses may notice a rubbery smell, although it tends to fade over time.
Appearance: While rubber water heater pans are still an attractive option, they can be more noticeable than metal pans with their black color.
The best water heater pans divert leaking water from your water heater to a proper drain pipe to prevent serious water damage in your home. Killarney Metals only offers the highest quality American-made water heater pans, so you know that your home is protected no matter which you choose.
Our entire line of rubber and metal water heater pans come with the Killarney No Leak + Guarantee. This means that all craftsmanship and materials are under warranty for three years under normal use and conditions. Plus, we can customize all of our pans to your specifications so that you can find the perfect water heater pan solution for your home or business.
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