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Yes, most municipalities have codes that require water heaters to have pans. A pan is necessary when a water heater or hot water storage tank is installed in an area where water leakage could cause damage, such as an attic, second floor, or finished basement. Tankless water heaters are not required to have a pan since there is no storage tank.

The chemicals in a water softener can wear down the anode rod in the heater and shorten its life span. However, for most people, the benefits of the softener outweigh this potential drawback.

Have a plumber inspect the anode rod annually for damage, as replacing the anode rod is far less expensive than replacing the entire water heater.

If your system is not vented properly, you could experience what’s called backdrafting. Backdrafting is when your ventilation system isn’t working as it should, and instead of releasing gases outside, they get trapped inside your home. 

Gas and propane water heaters create a few types of combustion gases, but the most dangerous is carbon monoxide. If there’s too much build-up of these gases inside your home, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Unless you have previous plumbing experience or extensive experience with water heaters, you should avoid replacing your electric water heater yourself. This process involves disconnecting wiring and parts from the old water heater and reinstalling them onto the new one, among other difficult tasks. This job is best left to the pros to make sure that everything is connected correctly to avoid serious leaks or malfunctions.