Does a Water heater need to be in an enclosure if installed outside?

[dnasser (David Nasser)]

@rnewland

Dave, I did a quick search on a couple of mfg’s istallation manuals and they both said they must be installed indoors. Looks like your picture has the base of a metal closet(?)

Thanks Rob for the info.

[dnasser (David Nasser)]

@growden

I personally would recommend an enclosure, because with full exposure outside the water heater life can be shortened. This will also help prevent misc debris (leaves, trash) from accumulating around heater and blocking of air intake or flammables getting to close and this will also help shed water away from water heater, as is it appears now, water can pool around heater.

Also recommend replacement of rusted vent pipe and insulating of water pipes.

Thanks Gary…

[rernst1 (Robert Ernst)]

There are several tankless designs that are for installation on the outside right on the wall. Plus this is not much different than a pool heater being installed outside and against a wall or fence. This is probably not what the manufacture would call proper installation since it’s not in an enclosure and is worth commenting on.

[dnasser (David Nasser)]

Thanks everybody for the feedback…conclusion:
Recommend that an enclosure be installed…

[kazizyan (Karen Azizyan, CMI NACHI12081709)]

Can you have a tankless water heater outside with no enclosure in California?

[mcyr (Marcel Cyr, CMI)]

I did not see the picture, where did it go?

If you are a Redneck, you can have anything outside if it functions. If it fails to function outside, you can use it for something else. :mrgreen:

[jsedillo (J Michael Sedillo)]

When somebody ask a question, I think it is condescending to reply with “LOL”. Just answer the question, if you know the answer. If you don’t then move on. The standards and codes in dry warm climates like California may be different even in locale to locale. Water heaters CAN be located outside if they are rated for exterior.

[rcooke (Roy D. Cooke, Sr)]

@jsedillo

When somebody ask a question, I think it is condescending to reply with “LOL”. Just answer the question, if you know the answer. If you don’t then move on. The standards and codes in dry warm climates like California may be different even in locale to locale. Water heaters CAN be located outside if they are rated for exterior.

Interesting you go to a three year old post to make this statement .

[cevans (Chuck Evans, CMI)]

@jsedillo

When somebody ask a question, I think it is condescending to reply with “LOL”. Just answer the question, if you know the answer. If you don’t then move on. The standards and codes in dry warm climates like California may be different even in locale to locale. Water heaters CAN be located outside if they are rated for exterior.

Really? You’re chastising people over posts made 4+ years ago??? I’m sure that you could find more contemporary examples if you wish to play mother on the board.