Tankless Water Heaters: Pans Essential?

Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save money.

A water heater drain pan is a large metal container that sits under your existing unit to catch any residual leaks. It is also known as a drip pan, catch tray, or overflow tray. While not all water heaters require a drain pan, it is a good idea to have one in case of a leak.

The cost of installing a drain pan on a hot water heater is relatively inexpensive, with the pan itself costing anywhere from $10 to $100. The total cost of a properly installed drain pan can be anywhere from $150 to $300 or more, with labour being the biggest expense.

Do I need a pan for a tankless water heater if it's in a garage?

A water heater is an essential part of any home. However, the amount of water it holds can pose a threat to your home in the case of a leak. A water heater drain pan is a large metal container that sits under your water heater to catch any residual leaks. While not a legal requirement in all states, it is a good idea to have one installed to protect your home from water damage.

Water heater drip pans sit directly beneath your water heater. They generally have a hole and piping that leads to a nearby floor drain that removes excess drips from the drain line outside. This ensures that any moisture doesn’t cause water damage to drywall and cause an unhealthy mold problem or create a fire hazard with electrical wiring.

Usually, they’re round and about 24 inches in diameter with a four-inch depth for adequate water collection. Most drip pans are made from a steel core that’s plated in zinc for rust protection and overall durability, but there are some less expensive varieties made from aluminum.

If your water heater is in a garage, you likely have no drip pan requirement. However, it is still a good idea to have one in case of a leak. The concrete floor of a garage is required to be sloped towards the garage door and any leakage will drain out under it; so, if the water heater is mounted on the floor, leakage will not cause any damage. A water heater mounted on a wood-framed and drywall-sided platform, though, would be damaged by leakage, and a pan and drain is necessary.

A pan and drain is still a good idea in a garage, even if not required, if there is the possibility that leakage would damage stored items around it.

Tankless water heaters also require a drain pan. These drain pans are much like the round kind you would get for a standard water heater, but they are shaped just a little differently. Instead of being flat, they are much deeper and resemble a box. Tankless water heater drain pans also cost about double their traditional counterparts.

What is a water heater drain pan?

A water heater drain pan is a large metal container that sits under a water heater to catch any leaks. It is wider than the water heater and has a small opening where a drain fitting is placed. This fitting is connected to a nearby drain to discharge excess water safely. Drain pans are also known as drip pans, catch trays, or overflow trays.

Water heater drain pans are designed to protect homes from water leaks. They are particularly important if the water heater is located above the ground floor, in an interior living area, or in an attic. In these locations, a leaking water heater could cause structural damage, with water dripping through ceilings and walls and causing mould. A drain pan can also protect belongings and electrical outlets from water damage.

Water heater drain pans are usually round and about 24 inches in diameter, with a four-inch depth. They are typically made from steel or aluminium and last for decades. The cost of a drain pan ranges from $10 to $100.

While not all water heaters are required by law to have a drain pan, it is recommended to install one to protect against leaks. Tankless water heaters also require a drain pan, which is shaped like a box and costs about double that of a traditional water heater drain pan.

What are the best water heater drain pans to use?

Water heater drain pans are an important component of many water heater setups. They are designed to catch water in the event of a leak or the release of water pressure through the Temperature and Pressure Valve (T&P Valve). Drain pans are typically shallow and are meant to hold enough water to prevent the spread of water in the surrounding area in the event of a small leak.

When choosing a water heater drain pan, it is important to consider the right material and size. Steel and aluminium pans are durable and long-lasting but can be expensive. It is recommended that the pan is at least two inches wider than your water heater to prevent water damage caused by slow leaks.

The Wall Saver Drain Pan for Tankless Water Heaters

This patented product was developed to meet the extreme demand from builders, engineers, architects and inspectors. It is suitable for tankless water heaters and can be manufactured in metal to comply with local codes.

Killarney Metals Water Heater Pans

Killarney Metals offers a wide variety of stock water heater pans and can also create custom pans to your specifications. Their pans are designed to fit all common water heater types, including storage tank water heaters, tankless (on-demand) water heaters, and heat pump (hybrid) water heaters. They offer various materials, including natural rubber, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and plastic.

The Plumber's Choice 28-inch Aluminum Water Heater Drain Pan

This drain pan is made of aluminum and has a width of 28 inches, making it suitable for larger water heaters.

Everbilt 24-inch Aluminum Drain Pan

This drain pan is also made of aluminum and has a width of 24 inches, offering a slightly smaller option.

American Built Pro Heavy Duty Plastic HVAC Condensate Drain Pan

If you're looking for a more affordable option, American Built Pro offers heavy-duty plastic drain pans with a variety of dimensions to choose from. These pans come with a drain hose adapter, making it easy to connect to your water heater setup.

In conclusion, while not all installers equip water heaters with drain pans, they are an important component to protect your home from water damage in the event of a leak. Be sure to consider the size and material of the pan, as well as any local building codes or ordinances, when choosing the best water heater drain pan for your needs.

How much does it cost to get a drain pan installed?

A drain pan is a safety tool designed to protect your home from water leaks from the water heater. It is a pan that sits under your water heater, wider than the heater itself, with a small opening where a drain fitting is placed. This fitting is then routed to a nearby drain, allowing excess water to be discharged safely.

In some areas, a drain pan is required to be installed by law. They are particularly important if your water heater is located above the ground floor or inside an attic, as leaks can cause structural damage to your home.

The cost of installing a drain pan will depend on the type of drain pan you require, and the labour costs in your area. For example, the average cost to install a shower pan is $900 to $2,300, with the price of the pan itself ranging from $150 to $950. A custom stone shower pan costs $1,200 to $1,800, while a hot mop shower pan costs $225 to $500.

The cost to install a drain line is around $576 to $701 per piping run. However, this does not include the cost of any structural modifications or surface restoration that may be required.

Therefore, the total cost of getting a drain pan installed will depend on the specific requirements of your property and the type of drain pan you choose. It is recommended to get quotes from multiple installers to find the best price for your needs.

What size drain pan do I need for a tankless water heater?

The size of the drain pan you need for a tankless water heater depends on the size of the heater. The drain pan should be at least two inches wider than the heater all the way around. The depth should be between 1.5 and 2.5 inches to ensure there's enough room for standing water.

For example, Killarney Metals offers a tankless water heater drain pan that is 20 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 2.5 inches high.

Frequently asked questions