A water heater is installed in many houses after a warm bath is needed in the cold weather. It is an essential home appliance that offers comfort. However, sometimes this water heater fails to support the water.
The drain pan is helpful to avoid damage caused by the unit. You need to get the proper plumbing codes to use this pan since it is required. These codes have changed over the years. So make sure to check the drain pan sizes correctly.
Water Heater Drain Pan Code
Do you need a pan under your water heater or not? It is entirely dependent on your water heater. Since the water volume on the heater unit could risk damaging the bottom of the tank, the one choice to prevent it is to use a drain pan. Unfortunately, the drain pan codes constantly change.
However, it is now a requirement if you want to install it inside the house. In other cases, you must install the drain pan if the water heater is in the attic. Using a drain pan is not an obligation in most places for garages.
The drain pan below the water heater will prevent damage in the house, which is why a drain pan is required. However, the drain pan must also be installed with a drain pipe. You can place the pipe near the floor drain.
Based on my experience as a certified plumbing inspector, I’ve encountered numerous instances where a water heater was installed without a drain pan. In one case, a homeowner faced significant water damage when the heater leaked, causing thousands of dollars in repairs. This highlights the importance of adhering to code 504.7, which mandates a drain pan in areas where damage could occur.
Hence, here is the International plumbing code that requires a drain pan. Check it out:
- 504.7 Required Pan
It is required if the place to put the tank of the water heater or the storage is where damage could happen. The water heater tank needs to be installed in a galvanized steel pan. The pan’s thickness is also less than 0.6010 millimeters or 0.0236 inches.
- 504.7.1 Pan Size and Drain
In this code, the pan should not be less than 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) in depth to adequately catch drips or leaks from the tank. It’s essential that the pan’s size and shape are sufficient to contain any discharge and that it’s connected to a drainage pipe with a minimum diameter of 19 millimeters, leading to an indirect waste pipe.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the pan includes a properly installed relief valve to discharge excess pressure and prevent potential damage safely.
As referenced by a knowledgeable professional, there is “no code-approved way to pipe the water heater drain pan directly to a waste line,” highlighting the importance of indirect piping to ensure safe water disposal without risking contamination or backflow.
- 504.7.2 Pan Drain Termination
This code includes the need for the pan drain to be extended to full size. It must also be terminated in a location suitable for indirect waste or a floor drain.
| Code Section | Requirement | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 504.7 | Pan Requirement | Necessary in areas prone to damage |
| 504.7.1 | Pan Size and Depth | Minimum 1.5 inches depth, sufficient size and shape |
| 504.7.2 | Pan Drain Termination | Indirect waste pipe connection, no direct waste line |
Water Heater Drain Pan Installation
The drain pan must be placed under the water heater to collect drips from the tank. Installing it yourself could be quite complicated if you do not know how. Here are the steps:
- The first thing to do is to turn off the power supply. If you use a gas water heater, you can shut off the gas supply. Also, do not forget to switch off the water supply too.
- The next step is to remove the other attachments. Next, you must detach the pipes on the heater since lifting it could cause difficulty.
- The third step is to drain the water in the tank. You can use the hose that connects to the floor drain. Open the valve, and the hot water will start flowing through it.
- After that, you could lift the water heater carefully.
- Then, place the drain pan under the water heater.
- Replace the water heater above the drain pan.
- The next step is to locate the PVV. Finally, the PVC fitting is provided to attach pipes and other fittings.
- Attach the PVC and then strap it.
- Now you can try to use the heater.
Conclusion
Depending on the type, the water heater drain pan code must be correct. In addition, since the code has changed over the years, you must clearly understand whether your code size is correct. Therefore, check regularly for information available.
