Water Heaters - Direct Vent Water Heater

Do the direct vent water heaters have to follow the rule for garages for being placed 18" above the floor. I can't seem to find the answer anywhere?
Thanks

"Rules" usually come from Codes. If it is code in your area for houses then it will probably apply in a garage. Only way to know for sure is to call the Plumbing code office in your area. Good luck.

My question to be more clear is whether if you put in a direct vent water heater you don't have to have it 18" above the floor. Because it states an appliance with an ignition source needs to be above the floor but since this is a sealed system does it still fall under the code? The question is for a little more understanding of the code. You know how codes go. :confused:

Yes it still has to be on a stand if in a garage.

Here in San Diego, the city code was specifically amended to say that water heater with sealed combustion chambers are not required to be elevated. That was specifically for the FVIR units. Check with your local authorities so see if they accept that provision for a direct vent.

594tough,

As soon as the WH is put it a "sealed combustion chamber", it has effectively been removed from the garage. Therefore, it doesn't need to be 18" off of the floor. HOWEVER, as long as the WH is IN the garage, it HAS to be 18" off of the floor. If it isn't, chances are, there is going to be a BOOM!!!

Gas fumes, (from a car, a lawn mower, or anything else that uses gasoline) hamg near the floor -- the fumes are heavier than air. If the fumes get to the pilot lite, IT DOES EXPLODE!!!

Well i thank everyone for there thoughts and it has helped me out i will put it 18" off the ground or just frame out a room for the mechanical.
Thanks again