You want to install a conventional water heater, but a separate, dedicated utility closet may not be a luxury you have. In these cases, putting a water heater in an unused corner of a bathroom or kitchen could save some precious living space. It’s a matter of maximizing what you do have, and sometimes that requires thinking outside the box about where appliances go. Before you decide to install a traditional water heater in a small space, you should go over the pros and cons.

The Good Side of Tight Fit Installations

Shorter Pipe Runs

One advantage of installing a water heater in a confined space is the possibility of shorter pipe runs. If your water heater is right beside your bathroom sink, for example, the hot water doesn’t have to travel as far to you.

The upshot is that you may get hot water at your faucet much faster, and that’s a real treat, especially on chilly mornings. Shorter pipes might also mean less heat loss as water travels and, in theory, lower bills over time.

Shorter Heating Time

Additionally, a unit closer to the point of use can cut down on the amount of cold water that ends up running before the hot water gets there. This will enable you to save a precious resource.

Cons of Installation in Tight Spaces

Difficult Installation

Installing a water heater into a tight space has its drawbacks too. Consider how challenging it might be for maintenance professionals to work in a small area with their tools and equipment. Simple things, such as tracing connections or draining a tank, are suddenly transformed into more involved projects that could become a more expensive service call down the road due to having less room to work.

Ventilation

Ventilation may also be an issue, especially for the gas-powered models, because adequate airflow is essential. Clearances around the unit must be kept for safety and code compliance, which eats into the little bit of space you have.

Noise and Heat

Another thing to think about is the potential for noise and heat. Water heaters, as a rule, are not very noisy. However, like any other appliance, they do make some sounds when turned on or being used. In an enclosed area, the sounds can become more pronounced and even bothersome, particularly if the unit is positioned near a living or sleeping room.

Also, water heaters do produce heat. In a relatively small and possibly poorly ventilated space, it may make it uncomfortable to be there, especially in summer.

Replacement Issues

Finally, think about how long the unit will last and when it will have to be replaced. Removing an old, cumbersome water heater from a tight space and replacing it with a new one can be quite a logistical feat. The appliance swap-out could even involve tearing out door frames or other minor structural work to make the exchange possible.

Before you make the final decision to install a water heater, speak with a plumber first. They can go over options with you and help you choose the solution that is best for you and your family. Call Aqua Gold Water Treatment for water heater options for your Muncie, IN home today.