Is this an option?

[HilltopDaisy]

Can I build a sturdy frame and put my 12 gallon electric hot water heater over the pressure tank, so I can save floor space? Thanks.

[Ross]

Assuming your idea of sturdy and mine are similar then sure! Unless NY has a code issue but I've seen it done here in Ont.

[HilltopDaisy]

Thanks Ross! I thought it would be ok but I figured I better ask first!

[geo in mi]

Twelve gallons of water equals 96 lbs, so 2 X 6's should work okay. You might think of putting a metal bottom with a drain in it, if you have any electricity underneath it, in case of a leak or overflow.

[Andy Nonymous]

A 12 gallon water tank is tiny, and 120# of water (and tank) is next to nothing. I've seen 40 gallon tanks on trailer floors of 2x4's with 3/4" (particle board) decking.

Assuming you have a "closet" about 30" square where your pressure tank is, a frame of 2x4's would work fine. Put two flat wise on the floor to distribute the weight, parallel to the length of the trailer would be best, and put the legs on those. Use any scrap 1x lumber or plywood for the platform, but not less than 1/2". You can sometimes get a damaged sheet of plywood for cheap - locally, $5 at the neighborhood builders supply. Ymmv. What isn't used for the tank platform can be used as corner gussets to stiffen up the stand, or you can screw the platform frame to the wall studs with deck screws.

Definitely put the tank in a drain pan, with a pvc (usually 1") drain tube going to a safe drain location (through the floor would work).

Have at it, Daisy.

[ronbre]

great idea

[Windy in Kansas]

Originally Posted by Andy Nonymous

A 12 gallon water tank is tiny, and 120# of water (and tank) is next to nothing. I've seen 40 gallon tanks on trailer floors of 2x4's with 3/4" (particle board) decking.

Twelve gallons of hot water is plenty provided that you learn to conserve. A Winnebago motor home I used to have only had an eight gallon water heater. A person learned to shower by doing a quick rinse, turn the water off or to a trickle to keep the hot water at the shower head, soap up, shampoo, and then rinse completely. The water heater in a motor home is generally gas and recovers quickly.

Also from the number of posts on these forums plenty of folk bathe themselves with only three gallons of heated water.

[Bearfootfarm]

Just keep in mind if you ever have problems with the pressure tank you'll have to remove the water heater also

[The Paw]

Best move I ever made was to install the water heater with those flexible, steel-braided connector hoses. I thought they only made them for sink faucets, but then saw the bigger ones one day in the hardware store. They cost, but it makes it so easy to pull the tank to get at other plumbing in the same space, it is worth every penny.

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

yes but you want to get a pan and plumb a drain from it down to the floor or another drain
we built bathrooms for a commercial store space , put the water heater above the bathroom , just had to have the pan to make code

they are woried about somone being scalded if it leaks or vents execs presure at some time

[DYngbld]

The pan is code in most places. It also prevents damage when the tank goes bad in 5-10 years.

Look into pex. It is a bit more pricey, but it is a bit flexible so it is easier to fit all the parts together. I plumbed the whole house in pex. You can even get it in blue and red if you wanted to.

[Macybaby]

I don't think the comment on tank size was meant as criticism, only that it is small enough that the weight isn't a big deal. I agree with that, framing for that amount of weight is no big deal. I just built a frame to hold a 150 gallon stock tank. The main thing was to use cross braces so the frame could not "fold up". Diagonals make a huge difference on things that are up in the air.

In this situation, the big concern is framing it up so any potential leaks won't ruin what is underneath.

Cathy