Adequate water heater collision protection?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Do you consider this to be adequate protection from collision impact? I'm seeing it more and more in new homes.

[Larry D. Kage]

Hi Joe, I guess it depends on how and what the wall is framed with but even bollards will tip over if hit hard enough.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I didn't dismantel the wall, but I banged on it and it felt like 2x4 studs.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

I didn't dismantel the wall, but I banged on it and it felt like 2x4 studs.

If anchored adequately, I'd go for it.

The vent pipe on the watewr heater looks like it runs downhill.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

So you think a 2x4 (maybe even 3 of them in that wall), however anchored, will provide protection? Maybe from a lawn mower. Not an automobile in my view.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Vent does run downhill. I called that out. Good eye. Also called out the foam in contact with the flue and the draft hood loose.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Probably no different than the wall with the panel in it. Say the water heater was in the house on the other side of the back wall. Same 2x4 wall. Are you saying that isn't proper protection either? You hit a wall with your car, you have other problems also. Typical new construction is with the heater and water heater in a similar built up area at the back of the garage.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

So you think a 2x4 (maybe even 3 of them in that wall), however anchored, will provide protection? Maybe from a lawn mower. Not an automobile in my view.

Plates anchored to the concrete adequately and above adequately..a sufficient number of studs angle bracketed adequately to the plates...then sure, I think it would be fine.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by sstanczyk

Probably no different than the wall with the panel in it. Say the water heater was in the house on the other side of the back wall. Same 2x4 wall. Are you saying that isn't proper protection either?

The code requires protection of water heaters in garages. Not inside the living space. Note the location of the gas lines; 2 inches on the other side of the 2x4 wall.

[Bruce A. King]

Good question.....

From an inspectors view point, we can't say its wrong.
We can say it appears to be wrong.


I would report inadequate working space to access the gas valve based on the picture, the unit is installed with the wrong side facing out.

The front should have 30 inches of working space, the front is facing that crash wall.

[Dale Duffy]

I'd bet not a sole who worked on that shack had a valid SS Number.......

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

CC Senior.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

CC Senior.

This home is not E-Verified ..............

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by dduffy

I'd bet not a sole who worked on that shack had a valid SS Number.......

And probably not to familiar with hot water either.

[Russel Ray]

Depends on whether or not there is a female driver in the household and parking her car in the garage.

Oooooooops.