Asked on May 28, 2014
Suggestions for covering and/or hiding water heater and tank
by
Vicki
+14
When a pipe burst on our water heater one Sunday morning as we were leaving for church, we realized had we not been right there, I house would have been flooded. We moved the water heater and water tank outside to avoid any potential flooding. Unfortunately it sits right by the back door and is unsightly. We were going to build a closet around it but our local building codes require plans, engineering, permits, inspections, etc. All making it cost prohibitive. Would love to hear simple and inexpensive ideas for hiding this eyesore. Thanks!
Outside water heater and water tank.
8 answers
-
Folding screen like the Chinese/Japanese use as room separators; that wouldn't be a solid enclosure, requiring a permit and lots of expense.
Marian A. Fischer
on May 28, 2014
-
I would build a privacy fence around it, if that doesn't need permits and such, using PVC posts and privacy lattice sheets, which have smaller openings between the lattice. You could then place a planter on the patio with climbing plants in it.
Z
on May 28, 2014
-
What about freezing?
Jean Adams
on May 28, 2014
-
Unfortunately in the great state of Florida, due to hurricanes and such, you do need permits and inspections, etc. to build an inclosure on your house. You do not want you water heater destroyed. Your location on the west coast of FL. gets cold in the winter months, doesn't it? Not sure how cold it gets, but sadly enough, maybe you should bite the bullet and get estimates from local contractors. Maybe if you supply materials they can give discount on labor (If hubby helps). Just guessing.
Wanda Cauthen
on May 28, 2014
- See 2 previous
-
Gee, it's too bad the tanks were not moved over to the right several feet. It looks like it is only inches from your door, which really doesn't afford you much wiggle room for any type of enclosure--permanent or removable. The only thing I can think of is something like the picture attached, which is similar to what I think Becky was trying to describe. I just can't figure out how you would secure it from being blown or knocked over since it would be sitting on the concrete slab. Although we don't get much cold weather, you may want to get an insulated wrap for the hot water heater so it doesn't work non-stop to stay heated on those rare cold days. And what about rain? Is it going to be prone to rust out quickly due to constant exposure to humidity and rain?
Shari
on May 28, 2014
- See 1 previous
-
A folding screen made with shutters are nice.
Adrianne C
on May 29, 2014
-
You could build a privacy screen out of lattice which would allow for ventilation. I would construct it to attach to a form from the ceiling of the garage in case it ever flooded again it could just run outside!
Jeanette S
on May 29, 2014
-
The privacy screen out of lattice by Jeanette is a great idea--similar to the object I suggested and I like the idea of attaching to a form from ceiling, to allow for any flooding run off. Could attach it to wall with something like eye hooks and be able to open and close it easier by folding it in to get to it. You may still have to check with building codes, but don't think it's necessary since it's quite quickly removable just won't blow or flow away in any weather. Good luck.
Marian A. Fischer
on May 31, 2014
Sign Up to Answer
