Does the Location of Your Water Heater Really Matter?A water heater is a wonderful thing when it’s working properly, but when it fails, it can be a lot to deal with. Furthermore, the resulting water damage can be extensive. No matter where you put your water heater, you have to place and secure it properly. However, there are some places that are better than others for your water heater.

Your garage is usually the best place for a water heater. The floor here is often concrete or tile, which makes water a little less damaging. However, water heaters can hold nearly 40 to 50 gallons of water. Even if your garage floor is resistant to damage, the walls and boxes you have in it probably are not. But, imagine what might happen if you place the water heater in a closet. The water damage could extend into your bedroom and bathroom.

Now you need to think about placement. Your water heater needs to be in a spot that’s easy to access — don’t bury it behind boxes of junk. It also needs to be on a metal water heater stand or in a pan with a drain. The stand makes it easier to inspect the bottom, and the drain lets smaller leaks drain out of your house.

However, the drain can only handle so much. A bad leak can overwhelm it quickly. You must inspect your water heater quite frequently, especially as it reaches the end of its lifespan. No matter the location of your water heater, a leak can be devastating.

If you have more questions about water heater leaks, which room to put it in, and how best to secure it, contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating at 800.434.9277. We’ve been helping Los Angeles area residents with water heater issues since 1967.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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