Water Heaters - HW heater drip pan drain
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ChrisG
12-02-05, 11:18 AM
I need to install a hot water heat drip pan as a condition of my basement finishing job. Since the HW heater is close to 10 years old, I've decided to replace it at the same time.
My question relates to how to properly deal with the drain from the drip pan. The HW heater is very close to my sump so I can route the drain there, just like the drain from my HVAC system.
Here's the complication. I have a radon remeditation system. For those not familiar, a powerful fan sucks the air under the basement floor and expels it out the roof. Thus, the sump is sealed (no big deal) to prevent basement air from dimishing the flow of air from under the slab. With the HVAC drain, there is a PVC trap to prevent the basement air from pulled into sump.
Since the drip pan drain is at floor level, I can't use a trap. The only thing I can think of is elevating the HW heater on a small platform to gain the height to allow the use of a trap. Seems like a lot of work.
Any suggestions that will pass a plumbing inspection?
My question relates to how to properly deal with the drain from the drip pan. The HW heater is very close to my sump so I can route the drain there, just like the drain from my HVAC system.
Here's the complication. I have a radon remeditation system. For those not familiar, a powerful fan sucks the air under the basement floor and expels it out the roof. Thus, the sump is sealed (no big deal) to prevent basement air from dimishing the flow of air from under the slab. With the HVAC drain, there is a PVC trap to prevent the basement air from pulled into sump.
Since the drip pan drain is at floor level, I can't use a trap. The only thing I can think of is elevating the HW heater on a small platform to gain the height to allow the use of a trap. Seems like a lot of work.
Any suggestions that will pass a plumbing inspection?
Sharp Advice
12-04-05, 06:02 PM
Welcome Chris to the Do-It-Yourself Web Site and the Water Heaters topic.
Some Help Here:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=243338
Raising the water heater above floor level is rather easy and often code in many areas anyway. Any big box hardware store will have the platforms needed.
Install the platform per instructions and that add the drain pan. Mount the tank and adjust the venting system as needed. Will be shorter than existing.
May or most likely will also have to repipe or adjust water inlet and outlet lines. All of which are common whenever a tank is installed per codes and raised by plumbers. Part of the hidden costs when quoted prices and often why installation costs are or seem so much. But not really costly in the long term. Often required by codes and worth the safety provided.
Read the prior asked questions in this forum on this topic of water heaters and the replies offered. In them you'll find additional helpful information and advice.
If you need further assistance, use the reply button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
>>>Check back on your question several more times. Other members and the plumbing professionals posting replies in this forum topic may offer you additional advice, ideas and or repair methods.
Web Site Host, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Personal Driving Safety Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely. "The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
Some Help Here:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=243338
Raising the water heater above floor level is rather easy and often code in many areas anyway. Any big box hardware store will have the platforms needed.
Install the platform per instructions and that add the drain pan. Mount the tank and adjust the venting system as needed. Will be shorter than existing.
May or most likely will also have to repipe or adjust water inlet and outlet lines. All of which are common whenever a tank is installed per codes and raised by plumbers. Part of the hidden costs when quoted prices and often why installation costs are or seem so much. But not really costly in the long term. Often required by codes and worth the safety provided.
Read the prior asked questions in this forum on this topic of water heaters and the replies offered. In them you'll find additional helpful information and advice.
If you need further assistance, use the reply button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
>>>Check back on your question several more times. Other members and the plumbing professionals posting replies in this forum topic may offer you additional advice, ideas and or repair methods.
Web Site Host, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Personal Driving Safety Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely. "The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."