Selecting a Location to Install Your Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater

Your tankless water heater can be installed just about anywhere! Due to the small size of your water heater, it can be mounted in many small spaces, including closets, under sinks, in pantries, or under stair storage areas. However, there are some important guidelines to follow that will ensure that your installation is both safe and convenient in the event that future servicing is required:

This product is designed to be installed indoors only. You may be able to install your unit in an outdoor location as long as it is mounted in a suitable enclosure that protects it from rain, splashed water, direct sunlight, debris, and insects. This product should NOT be installed in a location where it may be subject to freezing temperatures. If the water inside your tankless water heater freezes, it can cause severe and permanent damage that is not covered under your warranty. If you suspect that your tankless water heater may have frozen, do not turn on the heater until it has thawed and you have inspected the system for leaks. We highly recommend that you contact the manufacturer if you suspect that your tankless water heater may have been frozen with water inside it.

When selecting an installation location, give consideration to your existing plumbing configuration, location of your main electrical panel, and location of your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry area. Try to choose a location that does not require you to make major plumbing alterations, that is close to your main electrical panel (this will reduce the amount of wire that you need to install), and that is physically close to the hot water applications (faucets) that you use most often. By locating the heater close to the points-of-use, you will reduce the amount of time it takes for the hot water to travel from the water heater to your faucet. You should also give consideration to future servicing. Do NOT locate the water heater in a location that is difficult to access. In most cases, installing your tankless water heater in the same location as your old conventional tank-type water heater will make the most sense.

Regardless of your installation location, your water heater should be installed in a manner that will NOT allow combustible materials to come in contact with the water heater or outlet water pipe. Combustible materials should be kept at least 24 inches away from your water heater and the output hot water pipe. Under normal operation, the cover of your water heater will only warm slightly to the touch, however, it is always best to be overly cautious when dealing with a high voltage appliance. Make sure that the water heater, electrical sub-panel, and outlet hot water pipe are out of the reach of children so they cannot tamper with the temperature controls or injure themselves by touching the hot water outlet pipe. The output water pipe can get very hot.

This product does NOT require venting.

You should avoid installing your tankless water heater in a location prone to excessive humidity, moisture, or dust, or in an area where it may be splashed with water or other liquids. Do NOT install under water pipes or air conditioning lines that might leak or condense moisture that could then drip onto the heater. Do NOT install above electrical boxes or junctions.

If you plan to install your water heater on a second floor or in a heated attic space, make sure that you follow all code requirements for such installations as required for your area. We recommend that you install a drip pan (connected to a safe drain) below the water heater to avoid property damage in the unlikely event of a leak. Alternatively, you can install an active water leak detector and shut-off valve designed to turn off your water supply in the event that a leak is ever detected (we recommend: www.a-leak-detector.com).

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