Cody Casey
Tankless water heaters are efficient but can still leak and cause damage. A drain pan can be installed to prevent leaks from causing damage. The process of installing a drain pan involves first draining the water heater and detaching it from plumbing, electricity, and vents. Then, use a jack to lift the water heater, slide the pan underneath, and rotate the pan to orient the drain opening. Finally, lower the water heater into the pan, remove the jack, and reattach the piping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to install a drain pan | When installing or replacing a water heater |
| Ease of installation | Difficult to install under an existing water heater; easier if the tank is connected to the water supply pipes with flexible hoses |
| Water heater preparation | Drain the water heater of all water; detach from plumbing, electricity, and vent |
| Jack placement | Position jack so that you can slide the pan in; loop a ratchet strap under the backside of the water heater and over the lift part of the jack |
| Water heater orientation | Position the pan so that the drain opening is oriented correctly with where you want it, referencing the water heater, not the floor |
| Water heater placement | Slowly raise the water heater, watching the strap for any issues and clearance; set the water heater down into the pan and remove the jack |
| Drain pan type | Wall-mounted drain pans provide simple leak and moisture protection in a space-saving design; metal pans are sturdy and won't chip or crack |
| Drain pan features | Drain hole with a fitting to ensure a watertight seal; edges hemmed for increased durability |
| Drain pipe | By code, the open end of the discharge pipe should be 6 inches from the floor; if it drains into a catch pan, the pan should have a drain to the outside or to a floor drain |
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What You'll Learn
Purchase a drain pan
When purchasing a drain pan for a tankless water heater, it is important to consider the size of the pan in relation to the water tank. A single-family dwelling is likely to use a 40- or 50-gallon tank, which will require a larger drain pan. The Camco 11470 Tankless Water Heater Drain Pan is a popular option that can be purchased on Amazon. It is made in the USA and customers find it easy to install and good value for money. However, some customers have reported that it is flimsy and there are concerns about the supply chain.
Another option is to purchase a wall-mounted drain pan, which can save space and provide hassle-free leak and moisture protection. If you are unable to find a suitable drain pan, you may need to consider a custom-made pan from a sheet metal shop.
When installing a drain pan, it is important to first drain the water heater of all water and detach it from the plumbing, electricity, and vent. You may need to use a jack to lift the water heater and create space to slide the pan underneath. Cardboard can be used to protect the water heater from damage during this process. Once the pan is in place, you can re-attach the water heater and connect the pan's piping.
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Prepare the water heater
To prepare the water heater for the installation of a tankless water heater drain pan, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure the water heater is disconnected from all power sources, including plumbing, electricity, and vents. This is a crucial safety step to prevent any accidents or damage during the installation process.
Next, drain all the water from the water heater completely. This step is necessary to reduce the weight of the water heater and make it easier to handle during the installation. It is advisable to have flexible hoses connecting the tank to the water supply pipes, as this will make the process of detaching and reattaching the water heater easier.
Now, you need to carefully lift and detach the water heater from its original position. This may involve using a jack to lift the water heater and sliding the drain pan underneath. Ensure that you have adequate support and help when lifting heavy objects like water heaters. Place cardboard or other protective material between the jack and the water heater to avoid any damage to the heater's surface.
Once the water heater is lifted, slowly tip and roll the bottom edge of the heater to detach it from its stand or platform. Be cautious during this step to avoid any damage to the water heater or surrounding structures. It is important to plan this step carefully, especially if the water heater is in a confined space.
After detaching the water heater, you can now slide the new drain pan into position. Ensure that the drain pan is oriented correctly, with the drain opening aligned with the water heater's drainage system. This step may involve some careful manoeuvring and adjustments to ensure the proper alignment of the pan and the heater.
Finally, with the drain pan in position, gently lower the water heater into the pan. You may need to make some final adjustments to ensure the water heater is securely seated in the pan. Once this is done, you can proceed with connecting the water heater to the drainage system, following the manufacturer's instructions for a watertight seal.
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Position the drain pan
Positioning the drain pan correctly is crucial to ensure it effectively catches any leaks from your tankless water heater. Firstly, you'll need to drain the water heater completely and detach it from any connections, such as plumbing, electricity, and vents. This will make it easier to manoeuvre the water heater and position the pan.
Next, you'll need to decide where to place the drain pan. If you're installing a new water heater, you can choose the most convenient location, ensuring it's wall-mounted and securely fixed. If you're adding a pan to an existing water heater, you may need to lift the heater slightly to slide the pan underneath, as one user suggests. This can be done by using a jack to carefully lift the water heater, protecting the surface with cardboard, and ensuring the strap doesn't put pressure on the drain valve.
Once the water heater is raised, you can slide the pan into position, ensuring the drain opening is oriented correctly. The pan should be positioned so that any leaks will flow into the pan and out through the drain, which should lead outside or to a floor drain. Remember to consider the slope of the pipe, as it needs to be "downhill all the way" for gravity drainage.
Finally, lower the water heater gently into the pan and remove the jack. Reattach any connections and secure the water heater and pan's piping.
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Raise the water heater
To install a tankless water heater drain pan, you will first need to raise the water heater. This can be done by following these steps:
Firstly, ensure the water heater is disconnected from the water supply. Drain the water heater completely. If your tank is connected to the water supply pipes with flexible hoses, you're good to go. If, however, the pipes are soldered copper, you will need to disconnect them before proceeding.
Next, you will need to raise the water heater. Place a jack in a position that allows you to slide the new pan in. Loop a ratchet strap under the backside of the water heater and over the lift part of the jack, around the outside of the jack post. Remember to use cardboard between the jack post and the water heater jacket to protect the water heater from damage. Place a short 2x4 below the jack lift to space the water heater away from the jack. Now, slowly jack up the jack, lifting the strap. Ensure the strap does not put pressure on the drain valve or any other items that might damage the water heater.
Once the water heater is raised, you can slide the pan underneath. Raise the water heater about 3 inches off the ground, which should allow enough space to slide the pan underneath. Position the pan so that the drain opening is oriented correctly with where you want it, referencing the water heater, not the floor.
Finally, lower the water heater into the pan and remove the jack. Re-attach the water heater and your new pan's piping. Shark-Bite type fittings are perfect for water heaters.
Remember, raising and installing a water heater is a delicate task, and if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about any part of the process, it is best to consult a professional.
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Attach the drain pan
Installing a drain pan for a tankless water heater is a great way to provide leak and moisture protection and prevent water damage to your floors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach the drain pan:
First, ensure you have purchased a suitable wall-mounted drain pan for your tankless water heater. The drain pan should be specifically designed for this purpose and include a drain hole with a fitting to ensure a watertight seal.
Next, locate the water heater and prepare the area. If your water heater is on a stand or raised platform, you may need to drain the water and detach it from the plumbing, electricity, and vent to access it properly. If there is no stand, you may need to create space by removing the sidewall of the water heater closet.
Now, you can begin the process of attaching the drain pan:
- Place a jack in a position that allows you to slide the new drain pan into place. Use a ratchet strap and loop it under the backside of the water heater, over the lift part of the jack, and around the jack post. This will help secure the water heater during the process.
- Place a short 2x4 below the jack lift to create space between the jack and the water heater. This step ensures that the jack doesn't put pressure on the drain valve or any other components that could be damaged.
- Slowly jack up the water heater, lifting it gently. Keep an eye on the strap to ensure it doesn't put pressure on the wrong areas.
- Once the water heater is raised by about 3 inches, you should be able to slide the drain pan into position. Orient the pan's drain opening correctly, keeping in mind that you may need to rotate the water heater slightly to align it properly.
- Lower the water heater gently onto the drain pan, and then remove the jack.
- Re-attach the water heater to the plumbing, electricity, and vent, ensuring everything is secure.
- Rock or jiggle the water heater slightly to centre and align the pan and its drain to your preferred position.
- Finally, connect the piping for the drain pan. Shark-Bite type fittings are often recommended for this purpose.
By following these steps, you can successfully attach a drain pan to your tankless water heater, providing protection against leaks and potential water damage.
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Frequently asked questions
A tankless water heater drain pan is a pan that is placed under a tankless water heater to catch leaks and provide simple leak and moisture protection.
Tankless water heaters are efficient but they can leak and cause damage to your home or business. A drain pan will ensure that your floors are clear of water damage.
First, drain the water heater of all water and detach it from plumbing, electricity, and vents. Then, use a jack to lift the water heater and slide the pan underneath. Finally, lower the water heater into the pan and remove the jack.
If your drain pan drains into a catch pan, the catch pan should have a drain to the outside or to a floor drain. The pipe should be "downhill all the way", i.e. gravity-drained.
