Emilie Meyer
Smitty Pans, also known as drain pans, are installed under water heaters to catch leaks. The installation process involves detaching the water heater from plumbing, electricity, and vents, and slowly tipping and rolling it off its stand. A jack can be used to lift the water heater, allowing the pan to be slid underneath. The height of the new stand must be determined, ensuring a slight slope for the pan's pipe to drain effectively. The water heater is then re-attached, and the pan's piping is connected. This process requires careful handling to avoid damage and ensure proper alignment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Detach the water heater from plumbing, electricity, and vent |
| Drain the water heater | |
| Tip and roll the bottom edge of the water heater off its stand | |
| Use a jack to lift the water heater | |
| Slide the pan into position, ensuring the drain opening is oriented correctly | |
| Set the water heater down into the pan and remove the jack | |
| Reattach the water heater and the pan's piping | |
| Rock or jiggle the water heater to center and align the pan and its drain | |
| Height | The stand height should allow for at least 1/8" per foot drop or slope of the pan's pipe |
| Drain pipe | A 3/4" drain pipe should lead outside |
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What You'll Learn
Empty the water heater and detach all connections
To install a Smitty pan, you must first empty your water heater. Turn off the water supply to the water heater and turn the control valve to "off" on the water heater. Then, turn off the gas supply valve to the water heater. Turn on the nearest hot water faucet and allow it to run until the water runs cool. Keep this faucet open as it will allow the tank to drain faster. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and empty the tank into buckets, a floor drain, a sink in the basement, or an appropriate place outside. If you choose to drain the tank while the water is still hot, exercise extreme caution.
Next, you will need to detach all the connections to the water heater. If your water heater is electric, detach the electric supply and water lines from the old water heater. After confirming that the electric supply is off, disconnect the wire from the thermostat on the water heater using a screwdriver. If your existing electric water heater setup is already equipped with dielectric unions at the top of the tank, disconnect the cold and hot water supplies at the union using two adjustable wrenches or pipe wrenches. If the piping has been soldered into place, use a tubing cutter to cut the pipe. Clean the pipe with Emery cloth or a sanding cloth before cutting the pipe. This will make it easier to prep for the solder connection later.
If your water heater is gas-powered, detach the gas and water lines from the old water heater. After confirming that the gas supply is shut off, disconnect the gas line using two pipe wrenches. Disconnect the gas line at the union fitting if the gas supply line is a black iron pipe. Disconnect at the flare fitting if the gas supply line is a flexible pipe. Using two adjustable wrenches or pipe wrenches, disconnect the water lines above the tank.
Now that your water heater is empty and all connections are detached, you can proceed to install the Smitty pan.
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Determine the height of the new stand
To determine the height of the new stand for your Smitty Pan, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, you want to ensure a proper slope for effective drainage. Aim for at least 1/8" of drop per foot from the pan's pipe to your exit point, whether that's a building exit, floor drain, or sump basin. This slope is crucial to ensure that any leaks or spills flow out through the drain pipe without causing a mess or damage.
Consider the distance between the pan's pipe outflow location and your exterior wall thickness. If you're using bricks to support the stand, you might be able to use your existing bricks if you're close to the pan's pipe outflow. However, if adjustments are needed, you can use blocking or supports to get the desired height.
The height of the stand should also allow for easy insertion of the pan. Depending on your setup, you might need to slide the pan through the side or tip the water heater to insert the pan underneath. Ensure you have enough clearance and adjust the height accordingly.
Additionally, the height of the stand should facilitate the proper alignment of the water heater and the pan's drain. Once the pan is in place, you'll want to gently rock or jiggle the water heater to centre and align it with the pan's drain. Make sure the stand provides a stable base for these adjustments.
Remember to take into account the size and shape of the Smitty Pan you're installing. Different pans may have slightly different dimensions, so it's essential to refer to the specific model's specifications. Overall, by taking these factors into account, you can determine the optimal height for your new stand and ensure a proper installation of your Smitty Pan.
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Insert the pan
To insert the Smitty pan, you'll first need to determine the height of the new stand. You want at least 1/8" per foot drop or slope of the pan's pipe to your building exit point, floor drain, or sump basin. Account for exterior wall thickness and use bricks to achieve the correct height if you're very close to the pan's pipe outflow location.
Next, put down your new stand and roll the bottom of the water heater (WH) onto it. Use a ramp if needed—a section of 2x4 or wider is usually sufficient. Then, tip the WH to insert the pan, without piping, under the tipped side. At this point, you'll just do the edge roll again to get the WH into the pan.
Now, gently rock or jiggle the WH to get it, the pan, and the pan's drain centered and aligned to your liking. Finally, re-attach the WH and your new pan's piping. Shark-Bite type fittings are perfect for WHs.
Make sure to have some 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 blocking on hand so if needed, you can support the tank and slowly remove it as the pan is inserted.
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Position the pan drain opening
To position the pan drain opening, you must first determine the height of the new stand. You want at least 1/8" per foot drop or slope of the pan's pipe to your building exit point, floor drain, or sump basin. Account for exterior wall thickness and use bricks or a ramp to achieve the desired height.
Once the height is set, tip the water heater (WH) to insert the Smitty Pan, without piping, under the tipped side. Then, perform an edge roll to get the WH into the pan.
Now, you can gently rock or jiggle the WH to centre and align the pan and its drain to your liking. Ensure the pan drain opening is oriented correctly with where you want it in reference to the water heater, not the floor.
Finally, re-attach the WH and connect the new pan's piping. Shark-Bite type fittings are perfect for WHs.
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Re-attach the water heater and new piping
Now that you have inserted the Smitty Pan, it is time to re-attach the water heater and new piping. This process will require careful attention to detail and some basic plumbing knowledge.
First, ensure that your new stand is at the correct height. You want to achieve at least 1/8" per foot drop or slope of the pan's pipe to your exit point, floor drain, or sump basin. If you are very close to the pan's pipe outflow location, your previous bricks may be sufficient, but be sure to account for exterior wall thickness.
Next, place your new stand and roll the bottom of the water heater onto it. If needed, use a ramp to assist with this process. A section of 2x4 or wider is usually sufficient. Once the water heater is in place, tip it to insert the Smitty Pan, without piping, under the tipped side. Then, carefully roll the water heater back down into the pan.
At this point, you can make any final adjustments to ensure the water heater, pan, and pan's drain are centred and aligned. Gently rock or jiggle the water heater if needed. Shark-Bite type fittings are perfect for water heaters. Finally, re-attach the water heater and your new piping, following standard plumbing procedures.
Remember to always exercise caution when working with water heaters and plumbing. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it is best to consult a professional or seek advice from a knowledgeable source.
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Frequently asked questions
A Smitty Pan is a drain pan that is installed under a water heater to catch any leaks or drips.
A Smitty Pan helps to protect your home from water damage by catching any leaks or drips from your water heater.
To install a Smitty Pan, you will need to first drain and detach your water heater from its plumbing, electricity, and vent. Then, determine the height of the new stand, allowing for a drop or slope of at least 1/8" per foot for the pan's pipe. Place the new stand and roll the bottom of the water heater onto it, using a ramp if needed. Tip the water heater to insert the pan under the tipped side, then gently rock or jiggle the water heater to centre and align the pan and its drain. Finally, re-attach the water heater and the pan's piping.
You can buy a Smitty Pan from various online and physical stores, including Lasco, Bemac Supply, and Ferguson.
