View Full Version : Tankless water heater clearances
slodog
03-03-2008, 09:26 AM
I purchased a Powerstar AE115. the manual says no plastic piping within 3 feet of either side. It says nothing about over; below; or behind the unit. Do the sides of the heater really get hot enough to melt plastic? I have PVC condiut above the unit and washer hoses about 10 inches to the side. Will this be acceptable or do I have to relocate the unit? Tony
Lakee911
03-03-2008, 03:40 PM
I would ask the mfg.
Jason
jadnashua
03-03-2008, 04:12 PM
That may pertain to pipes connected to the unit (the cold incoming and hot outgoing pipes). For a normal WH, they want metal within 18" (I think I've got this right now?!).
Your best source is the manufacturer...
If the heater is getting hot enough to damage plastic within 3' of either side, you have a VERY inefficient heater which is wasting a lot of heat. In fact if it requires more than a few inches to combustible materials you don't want it.