Water Heater Safety

[onetime]

My project is to R/R & Relocate a 50 Gal Water Heater into the Attic.

We have the obvious safety concerns of housing a 50 gal WH in our attic, so we are looking for safety ideas that will help prevent any major problems.

We are looking at another option which is installing a Tankless, but, the unit and installation is pricey

Why the attic ? we have a 2 story town home, original builders placed the furnace and WH in a utility room on the 2nd floor. Space is also tight (so move the unit to the attic) and we would gain a much needed hall closet.

Any safety insight will be appreciated.

Side note any recommendation on 5o gal Water Heater?

[594tough]

Not a DIY project.

1. Have a general contractor determine if the joists in the attic will support the 500+ pounds of weight.

2. If it is a gas WH, have a licensed plumber determine if there is sufficient source of combustion air in the attic.

3. I would put a large drain pan under it, with a drain pipe leading to the outside.