Answer: | TRUE - When installed in a garage; or room off a garage; or in a space where flammable goods are stored, gas fired water heaters are required to be elevated so the ignition source is a minimum of 18 inches off the ground. Any clue why? Here's a hint: KABOOM!! The difference between an electric water heater and a gas fired water heater is the gas fired water heater uses combustion (flame) to heat the water. The flame is typically shielded from view, but open to allow oxygen to feed the flame. Most combustible vapors (petroleum products) are heavier than air, so the vapors will stay close to the ground. Storing a gas fired lawn mower, or a car with an oil leak, or gasoline cans within a closed garage or storage area can allow the fumes to mix with the combustion air for the water heater (or any gas-fired appliance for that matter) and KABOOM - house fire! Most new homes are without defect in this area, but sometimes when the home owner changes the appliance type from electric to gas during construction, or in existing construction where the homeowner decided to change an existing electric water heater to a new gas fired one is where the elevated requirement is overlooked. So, if you have a gas fired water heater (or other gas-fired appliance) installed in a garage, room off a garage or area where flammable goods are stored, make sure it is elevated at least 18 inches above ground. |
