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Recently I replaced my electric hot water heater due to it leaking. It seemed to be leaking from the bottom. This being my first house I wasn't sure about proper install and decided to install it as it was before - with 3 bricks under the bottom. But now, thinking about it, and seeing how it was leaking from the bottom, I wonder if the bricks were the problem. So I am wondering if is this ok or should I have not placed the bricks back under it? Thanks in advance for your replies.
Bricks had nothing to do with it leaking. Sheet metal exterior is not what is holding the water. There is a liner on the inside that has a layer of insulation between it and the exterior. If it is stable on the bricks they may actually allow air, between bottom and floor, to dry any moisture that would otherwise cause rust. I am not a plumber. There may be some code violation inviolved. I'm sure others will let you know if there is.
I don't know a whole lot, but I know where I live there needs to be a pan underneath it for catching leaks for it to be up to code. They make metal pans that the tank sits on. But, I don't see how the bricks could be the problem. If you call your town or county they should be able to give you advice about local codes. Or call a plumber and see if they will give you any info. But the leaks were probably due to the heater itself going bad, you shouldn't have trouble with a new one.
Bricks are not a problem. Pan may not be required since it is in a garage. That said, in some jurisdictions, even an electric water heater must be on a 18" platform in a garage (gas water heaters are required to be on a platform because of the flame).
OK, THAT said, the newest type of gas water heater does NOT have to be on a platform (per manf), but some jurisdictions may or may not require it.
Now THAT should be clear now. Got to LOVE building codes. Just because something is IN the code book, does not mean that the jurisdiction (City or County) is going to enforce it. They may decide to lessen the requirements, or make them more strict, or ignore them all together.
Your old water heater just needed to be replaced due to age (rusting). The bricks under the old one did not cause it to fail - it was just time. The bricks under your new water heater are fine for replacement purposes. As said by others, new installation and some local codes require that the water heater be elevated on an 18" platform to help prevent it from being bumped toward the top and knocked over. I would have used the bricks as you did...
It may be installed elsewhere. You can put them anywhere in the series. If there is no expansion tank though, it is required when you replace your water heater. Many cities also require a permit to install a new water heater. Did you use dielectric unions between the copper flex pipe and the water heater? If not, the fittings will corrode quickly.
^ absolutely. We have rust in our water which probably contributed to the tank going out. Going forward I intend to drain it at least once a year to relieve such sediments at the bottom of the tank.
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