Get matched with top water heater pros in Tularosa, NM

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 right way to vent a gas water heater is to have a pipe directly upward or slopes upward out of the house. Because hot air naturally rises, this type of venting will efficiently ensure that all gas moves out of the house. Your system may rely on fans or blowers as well.

The time it takes to replace a water heater depends on the complexity of the job. Expect your contractor to spend:

• One to three hours on a standard tank-style water heater replacement

• Two to three hours on a tankless water heater replacement

• Four to six hours replacing a tank-style water heater with a tankless water heater

• One hour for each additional parallel or point-of-use water heater

Your project will take longer if you’re switching fuel sources, upgrading to tankless, or relocating your water heater.

The size needed for your expansion tank is determined by the size of your home's water heater. Expansion tanks are available in 2-gallon and 4.5-gallon sizes. A 2-gallon tank will be appropriate for water heaters up to 50 gallons. An adequately sized tank should have a volume that equals 2% to 5% of the water volume within the system. A plumber can evaluate your home's water pressure, water heater size, and other factors to provide suggestions for picking out the best expansion tank.