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benderbm · Feb 12, 2009, 05:56 PM

I just had a new 50 gal. gas water heater installed today. The new heater has the same
Dimensions(height and diameter) as the old w/h. After the installers left I noticed that
That the w/h is sitting at an angle(of course, towards the drain) and the heater is touching
The main gas line before it branches off for all the appliances. I know that the old w/h was
Installed level because it was shimmed and that it had about 1/8 inch clearance from the gas line. If the new heater were installed level then it would not be touching.

I'm not comfortable with the w/h touching the gas line nor the water heater sitting 1/2 inch from level. Should I be concerned that these things could become seriously problems?

I will be bringing them up with the inspector who comes by tomorrow but I am looking for additional opinions and maybe info before I talk to the inspector and call the installer.

- benderbm

massplumber2008 · Feb 12, 2009, 06:00 PM

Water heater should be set level and should not be touching gas pipe... BUT, a lot will depend on what the plumbing inspector accepts. There is a lot of room for variation... so see what he says. He will tell you what the next step is... ;)

If you have a chance pop back and let us know what he told you... ok?

Thank you...

MARK

benderbm · Feb 12, 2009, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Water heater should be set level and should not be touching gas pipe...BUT, alot will depend on what the plumbing inspector accepts. There is alot of room for variation...so see what he says. He will tell you what the next step is...;)

If you have a chance pop back and let us know what he told you...ok??

Thank you...

MARK

Will do. According to the installers my city's inspector is tough so ill trust his judgement.

- Bryan

Milo Dolezal · Feb 12, 2009, 07:57 PM

Can you post a photo of installed heater ? Thanks..

benderbm · Feb 12, 2009, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Milo Dolezal

Can you post a photo of installed heater ? Thanks...!

Hi Milo,

I have attach a photo of the top 1/3 with the gas pipe touching on the left side just below the
Lid/cap of the w/h.

- Bryan

Milo Dolezal · Feb 12, 2009, 11:43 PM

I don't think heater touching the gas pipe will be an issue during upcoming inspection. However, the heater should stand on a solid, leveled, ground ( or pedestal ), preferably strapped to the structure of the house to prevent tipping over. It is a safety issue. Your plumbers should have done that as part of the installation.

Please, let us know what Inspector said...

massplumber2008 · Feb 13, 2009, 05:18 AM

Hey Bryan...

Gas pipe looks fine. From here see what your inspector says. Most likely you WILL NOT need to strap the water heater as Milo suggested... unless you live in earthquake zone like him... ;)

Let us know.

MARK

.

benderbm · Feb 13, 2009, 07:49 PM

Okay, as you guys said the gas pipe touching is not an issue but after talking to the inspector he passed the inspection but noted that the heater is not level and about the as pipe touching but also does not think there is a problem.

I appreciate the analysis and comments and after getting the same answer from everyone I can rest assured the install is fine.

Thanks all,
Bryan

Milo Dolezal · Feb 13, 2009, 08:37 PM

Glad you passed your inspection. However, I think you should have that w/h leveled just for your own safety - even if it doesn't violate local plumbing Code.