Water heater, 3/4" to 1/2" pipe


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Old 09-21-20, 04:06 AM
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Water heater, 3/4" to 1/2" pipe

Hello. I am going to be installing a 40 gallon electric water heater, and it seems they are all 3/4" connections. The pipes in my house are 1/2". Will this be OK, using adapters?
 
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Old 09-21-20, 04:16 AM
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I wouldn't think it would be an issue. I also have a 40 gallon water heater with 1/2" pipes throughout my house. My water heater was installed over 5 yrs ago and I've not had any issues.
 
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Old 09-21-20, 04:47 AM
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That is a very common situation. Just use reduction fittings to make the connections you need.
 
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Old 09-21-20, 05:29 AM
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Typically water pipe will be 3/4" for the main run and all branches will be 1/2"
 
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Old 09-21-20, 08:56 AM
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Will it work yes, will you have far lower water flow and your going to think it's low water pressure, also yes.
A 3/4" pipe has almost twice the CFM of a 1/2" pipe.
 
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Old 09-21-20, 09:16 AM
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...but it shouldn't change the water flow/pressure any since the house is already plumbed with 1/2"
 
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Old 09-21-20, 01:47 PM
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Thank you.
Also is there a minimum distance that I have to keep between the water heater and say a wall?
 

Last edited by frankjc; 09-21-20 at 02:30 PM.
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Old 09-21-20, 02:34 PM
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It's customary to keep 12" between the water heater and the wall.
 
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Old 09-22-20, 02:16 AM
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My water heater is in a small closet and it's tight. There is only about an inch or so clearance at the back and 3"-4" on each side. I've not noticed any issues.
 
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Old 09-22-20, 04:42 AM
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Since it's electric you should not have any worry's.
 
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Old 09-22-20, 05:37 AM
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So 6-8" from a sheetrock wall, and wooden stairs should be ok? Do electrics have the same fire risk as gas?
 
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Old 09-22-20, 05:45 AM
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I'm a painter not a plumber but while the outside of my elec water heater can get warm, it never gets hot. It's been close to 45 yrs since I've had a gas water heater but I would think there would be less danger because there is no potential for gas build up.
 
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Old 09-22-20, 05:46 AM
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Depends on how you look at it. Certainly not the electrical connections themselves. But heat dissipation should be considered. The pipes exiting the tank should never be so hot as to transfer enough heat to a piece of wood or wall as to allow for combustion. You could add insulation to the pipes.

A gas fired tank is a whole other story. You must allow for combustion air if not coming from outside. Allow for flue pipe exhaust. And you must keep any combustible at least 12" away from flue. You also want free flowing air space around the tank.
 
 

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