Water heaters are an essential part of every mobile home.
In most cases, water heaters never hit our minds until we run out of hot water.
Therefore, Is It Safe to Enclose a Water Heater?
The short answer is yes. You can safely enclose a water heater. However, there are important considerations to take heed of when doing so.
Leaving a water heater in plain view can be a distraction. Therefore, you should find a place to keep it where it will not affect the beautiful appearance of your home.
You can build a wall around the water heater to enclose it or find a less busy spot in the house to keep it. The basement can be ideal, although you can also hide it in your bathroom or bedroom closet.
The Two Water Heater Enclosure Types
Each type of water heater requires a specific water enclosure.
Basically, there are two types:
- Outdoor
- Indoor
So, let’s consider each type:
1. Outdoor Enclosure
You need an enclosure for your outdoor water heater to protect it from harsh weather conditions and to prevent it from rusting.
Besides, children can damage an outdoor water heater.
Enclosing an outdoor water heater will give it a clean-looking appearance.
To make it safe and to last longer, you need to safeguard it and protect the electrical cord and gas orifice if you are using a gas water heater.
Six Considerations When Building An Outdoor Water Heater Enclosure
Before you build your outdoor water heater enclosure, there are factors to consider.
- The site where you want to build the enclosure
- The type of material to use (wood, metal, or vinyl)
- The size of the water heater and the area your enclosure will occupy.
- Contact electrician to set up electrical outlets where you want to enclose your outdoor water heater.
- Insulate the pipes that are exposed to prevent them from freezing during cold seasons.
- If there are openings in the walls, you should cover them with wire mesh to block bugs from getting inside.
The Three Types Of Outdoor Enclosures
Enclosure With A Frame
You build a wood frame but add a metal panel on the outside. You can add a vinyl coating to protect it from corrosion.
Metal Cabinet Enclosure
Here, you build an all-metal enclosure without adding wood. If you are using an outdoor electric water heater, you can build a wooden outdoor enclosure with mesh walls.
Wall Mounted Enclosure
You can also build an all-metal cabinet and mount it directly on the wall.
2. Indoor Water Heater Enclosure
Having a water heater inside your house can cause many detractions.
Therefore, you need a safe spot to hide it while maintaining its accessibility.
You can choose full enclosures such as closets and cabinets.
Cabinets are good enclosures, especially in the kitchen or finished basement.
Closets are a popular choice especially if you have installed your water heater in bedroom closets.
How to Build an Indoor Water Heater Enclosure
It is quite simple to build an indoor water heater enclosure.
You can easily accomplish the installation on your own.
An alternative option is to buy a readymade enclosure.
For a ready to assemble enclosure, simply follow the accompanying instructions.
Follow the following guiding steps to build an indoor water heater enclosure:
- Take the measurements of the enclosure framing you will need, and then build it according to the recorded measurements.
- Build the framings of the other sides
- Connect the outer layer with cardboards.
- Now, fix the enclosure door.
- Join the trims to stabilize the frame.
Conclusion
As you have noticed above, a water heater can be safely put in an enclosed area by following the set safety precautions.
Once you have successfully installed your water heater, you should understand the safety measures to take while using your water heater.
Given that you faithfully adhere to the precautions we have stated above, the water heater will be safe for you and your household occupants.
Related
Reference
https://fireplacehubs.com/water-heater-enclosure/
