By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
I have two questions regarding electric water heaters. First, do electric water heaters in a garage have to be installed on a raised platform? Since they do not have an open flame, the requirement would seem not to apply. If a raised platform is required, does this also apply to water heaters within the house? - Henry
Dear Henry,
The plumbing code requires a raised platform in a garage for any water heater that produces a flame, a spark or a glow. That definition includes electric water heaters, as well as gas ones. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent ignition of gasoline fumes in the event of a leak. In other parts of the building, such as within the dwelling, a raised platform is not required.
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