When it comes to your water heater, location matters more than you might think. The right water heater placement can help prevent damage, save energy, and make it easier to maintain. Here’s what you need to know about the best (and worst) spots for your water heater.
What to Consider
When determining the best location for your water heater, there are a few points to consider:
- Noise. Water heaters can hum or make noise. The closer it is to living spaces, the more likely you are to hear it.
- Hot Water Delay. The further your water heater is from your fixture, the longer it will take for the heated water to arrive. Centrally located water heaters reduce hot water wait times which can help you save water.
- Ease of Maintenance. Plumbers need space and easy access to your water heater to fix, reconfigure, or replace it.
- Potential Leaks. Unfortunately, water heater leaks are common. Choosing a location that minimizes mess and potential damage is crucial.
Worst Spot: The Attic
Based on these factors, an attic is one of the worst places for your water heater to live.
The main issue is gravity: if your water heater leaks, the water will drip through your ceiling, causing significant damage. The water lines running to and from the unit also pose a leak risk from above, which can lead to extensive repairs and hefty bills.
In San Antonio, attic temperatures soar in the summer, wearing down your water heater faster and making maintenance unbearable for plumbers. Plus, with limited space and tricky access points, attic locations are typically harder to reach, which only adds to the difficulty of upkeep.
Good Alternative Spots: Inside or Outside Closets
A closet can be a great location for your water heater so long as it has good ventilation. Depending on the location of the closet, you might even get hot water to your fixtures faster.
If your closet is accessible from the outside, that’s even better. Outside closets can keep water leaks from damaging the interior of your home and make it easier for your plumber to access without causing a disturbance.
Still, closets don’t offer plumbers a lot of room to work when it comes to maintenance and repairs and their proximity to living areas may make noise more noticeable.
Best Spots: The Garage
The garage is usually the best place for a water heater. But why?
- If it leaks or breaks, the damage is usually minimal and keeps most of the water away from your valuables.
- Conventional water heaters can take up a lot of space and garages often offer more room for ventilation and leave room for plumbers to complete their work.
- Though a water heater in your garage may be further away from some of your home’s fixtures, this distance from your living area also means you won’t be bothered by noise.
Thinking of Moving Your Water Heater?
If your water heater is in the attic, consider consulting a professional about relocating it. Moving it to a garage or closet is often easier and more affordable than you might think so long as there’s room—especially if you’re already planning to replace it.
For homes with two or more stories, moving your water heater might be trickier, but it’s worth exploring with a trusted plumbing team.
Planning a New Home?
If you’re building a new house, think about water heater placement early on. Selecting a spot that’s safe, easy to reach, and far away from the parts of your home you care about most now can save you from headaches later.
Need Help?
At North East Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, we help San Antonio families stay safe, comfortable, and dry. Contact us today to learn more about optimizing your water heater’s location.
