Drain pan for water heaters?

[Jody Satallante]

Are drain pans required for water heaters? If so in what cases are/aren't they required.

[James H. Bushart]

Where leakage of the tanks will cause damage (IRC 2006, P2801.5)

[Jody Satallante]

Thank you.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

And the damage doesn't have to be structural. The code just says "damage". If carpet or other flooring would get wet, I recommend a pan.

[Bruce M. Graham, III]

Drain pans yes, but TPR should not go in the pan.