Hot water heater too close to washer

Question

My sister recently bought a house, the previous owner (someone who was flipping the property) put in a brand new hot water heater in the laundry room in the same location as the old one. But the way it is setup the only way she can get a dryer in is to put the washer right next to the water heater so it presses right up against the gas line connector. (Even when this washer is leveled properly it shakes a lot, which makes it even worse.) 
 We are trying to find a way to deal with this.

SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC · Answer

Rotate the water heater some & go with a more appropriately sized gas line
Rubber pad under the washer

Deb Laber · Answer

I got an industrial rubber pad for my stacking washer/dryer. It still shakes a bit, but is much better.

Sharon Crosby · Answer

Thanks, SLS. I was wondering if it was possible to rotate the water heater.

Deb, that's a good idea to help with the shaking...although I still think the washer should be further away too.

Diane Fairbanks · Answer

Is the floor underneath the washer/dryer completely level? My laundry room, when I moved in my current house, was so uneven that the washer rocked and shimmied like a go-go dancer, and we couldn't get it level so it would stop moving so energetically. We ended up building a platform to place the washer/dryer upon, and made the legs on IT level, so the washer no longer rocks. The best part is that we made the platform with storage underneath for 3 baskets of laundry! It saves space and the inner workings of the washer!

Mikell Paulson · Answer

How did this ever pass inspection?

Sharon Crosby · Answer

The floor is definitely not level...but she got the washer very level. It just is an old, but very good, and reliable machine. It was like this at her previous residence too. Building a platform might be a good idea though.

Sharon Crosby · Answer

This water heater was installed after the inspection...The inspector said the old heater should be replaced, so the seller replaced it as one of the conditions for selling the house. There also wasn't a washer or dryer there during the inspection or when it was installed so I don't think anyone realized how close the washer would be to the water heater...until my sister moved her washer in. 
 Also, we just found out tonight that the dryers she was looking at buying were 29' and she thought that was a standard size. But now she has found that there are 27' ones and that, while still kind of close, would make so that the washer and gas connector aren't actually touching anymore.

Rosemary Kelly · Answer

I think I'd call a plumber and make sure the job was done properly. Messing with electrical stuff and a gas line is dangerous.

Shirley Kalinosky · Answer

There should be some kind of platform for the water heater and a drain where the water can be drained away. I would call the plumber and have him lengthen all the hoses on the water heater and move it away from the washer entirely, which will be much safer.

Judy A · Answer

A stacking washer/dryer would solve the whole problem. I have had a similar setup for 10 years and had no problems. There's even room for a 3 compartment laundry sorter in between.

Sharyn Diaz · Answer

I would call a reputable plumber and make sure it was installed right and is up to code, the original inspector might be helpful. You do have recourse especially if there was money in escrow for the replacement also the lender (credit union, VA, smaller bank) actually has a vested interest and may be able to help your sister get it fixed the way it should have been in the first place. Property flippers are often NOT qualified for some of the repairs so they just make do to get the property off their hands.

Teresa B · Answer

To add a bit of levity to the conversation... 
My father loves to sneak in the following statement when someone calls the 
water heater a 'hot' water heater. 'Why would you need to heat HOT water?' :)

Danielle · Answer

Is there a pan under this water heater? What about a drain to the outside? I don't see either of those things on the photo. If there isn't one it's important to have one put in. Take it from me, the previous owners of our house did not do that, we didn't notice it, and it cost us an insurance claim and over $8,000 in water damage.

Linda Wayne · Answer

Install a tankless hot water system and you will gain more space in the laundry room.

Sean · Answer

The big box stores sell stacking kits to stack full sized washers and dryers. Maybe that might work. That gas line looks hinky to me. Looks like it could be routed better.

Mkf1509196 · Answer

Put in flex water lines and move it an inch.  The gas line cast.

Mildred · Answer

I put some  of the siders to move furniture under mine.. they have a foam pad where  the  feet of the washer  sits on...

Judy james · Answer

I'm really surprised this passed inspection. Normally a gas water heater needs to be elevated.  I agree a stacking washer/ dryer would solve.  Also maybe a bit cheaper put in a gas tankless water heater.  I really like mine.

Francisco37388 · Answer

This passed an inspection?

Hot water heater too close to washer

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