Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?
Henry Morales
Published Mar 20, 2026
Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?
Tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere inside your home. You can even have a tankless water heater in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose to install two, one for each floor, for example. Because of their small size, they fit in closets, cabinets, pantries or laundry rooms.
How much clearance is required for a tankless water heater?
A tankless water heater requires a 4-foot clearance from the side or below a door or window that opens, unless the unit is directly vented to the outside. If the water heater is installed above the door or window, it needs 12 inches of clearance.
What is the code for water heaters?
2 Equipment Efficiency. Residential water heaters are regulated under California’s Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Section 1605.1(f). These regulations align with the federal efficiency standards for residential water heaters.
Can a gas tankless water heater be installed in a closet?
Your tankless water heater can be installed just about anywhere! Due to the small size of your water heater, it can be mounted in many small spaces, including closets, under sinks, in pantries, or under stair storage areas.
Can a tankless water heater be installed in a crawl space?
Because it’s small — about the size of a carry-on suitcase — you can place a tankless water heater along any stretch of pipe: In the attic, basement, closet, or crawlspace. You can install two or three units to serve different parts of the house, or even dedicate a unit for a particular use — say, a washing machine.
Can you put a tankless water heater in a crawl space?
Can a gas water heater be installed in a closet?
Yes, a gas water heater can be installed in a closet as long as the closet is not used for storage. The International Residential Code (IRC) specifically bans a storage closet as a location for a gas water heater.
How do you install a water heater code?
Starts here2:59Water Heater Codes – YouTubeYouTube
How close can a tankless water heater be to an electrical panel?
The only code requirements I’ve found regarding clearances around an electrical panel are allowing at least a 30″ working space (side to side).
Does a tankless water heater have to be installed on an exterior wall?
It is possible to install a tankless water heater outside and free up indoor space. The roof or side wall can be used as a vent for the tankless water heaters. Venting through the roof is required for traditional gas tank water heaters.