Hi guys thanks in advance for looking I am thinking of moving my water heater outside. I would like to replace my old water heater but due to space constraints in its existing location. Installing a larger one there is out of the question. I have considered the need for an enclosure ptobably stick built on a concrete slab (insulated of course ) and the need for a junction box and a service discoonect. My primary concern would be pipes freezing in the winter. The ideal location would require about a 10 - 15 ft run of pipe through the crawl space to the exterior of the home could these pipes just be insulated and be good to go I live in sc where the temps are generally mild but it does occasionally hit the upper teens. Any advice or opinions would be apprecited

Thanks,ac

Considering the time and money you are going to throw at this fix I'd consider a tankless on demand heater. They are no bigger than a suitcase and can hang on a wall. Electric are not vented but gas and propane require venting. Some are so efficient they vent with 2" pvc. These also qualify for a big energy credit on your income tax bill. -:- Navien America -:- (http://www.navienamerica.com/product/ts_heater_cc.aspx?skin=ts_heater_cc)

Agree with Bob. You can purchase Rinnai Tankless Heater with Exterior Enclosure that hides all pipes inside. It looks nice and clean. See the enclosed photos...

Thanks for the idea guys, As far as cost goes I already have all materials on hand execpt the water heater and the service disconnect just a matter of building it. Im still considering the tankless idea but I really don't know that much about them( I am readiing and learning ) what is ya'lls opinion of traditional tank style water heaters outdoors.

what is ya'lls opinion of traditional tank style water heaters outdoors. It's simply not good practice to install a water heater out in the elements in a climate where the temperature can drop below freezing. Regards, Tom

Thanks Ill post back and let you know what I figure out.

Just noticing: since you have elec. Water heater then I think conventional water heater is better choice than tankless. Tankless / electric draws way too much power.

Tom is right on with his previous comment. If you really want to relocate your water heater to the outside than build a good enclosure for it using at least 2x4 walls ( if not 2 x 6 ), and insulate walls and door to minimize loss of heat.

Thanks the enclosure would have 2x4 walls insulated with r19 and shingle roof probably insulate that with r19 as well exterior would be osb with vinyl over door insulate on inside with foam panel most likely.

Don't forget to Armoflex(see image) your piping. Good luck, Tom

Thanks for all the help guys Ill post back in a couple of weeks and let you how it goes

I'd also wrap all exposed pipe with heat tape.

Or;

Since you moving the heater further away (presumably) from the point of use it will take longer for the hot water to get. I would consider a recirculation pump and line. That will not only give the instant hot water it will keep the output water line from freezing. Still have to wrap the input water line with heat tape.

Thanks I will keep that in mind

If you go with a tankless heater consult a Rinnai dealer or another brand for compatibility with a recirc pump.

Did you move your water heater outside and how is it working? What did you do about the building, etc.. Any problems as far as the weather?

Did you move your water heater outside and how is it working? What did you do about the building, etc...? Any problems as far as the weather?

Hi dwiliamssc and welcome to The Plumbing Page at AskMeHelpDesk.com You are responding to a 2 old dead thread. Please check the date before you post. Thanks, Tom