Can Gas Water Heater sit on garage floor?

[Murphysf]

Hello

My current gas water heater ( AO Smith PGXH 40 248E ) is about 20 years old 3/10/2003).

It is standing on a wood pedestal about 19 above the garage floor. The water heater itself is about 55" tall (from the top of the pedestal to the top of the water heater).

I am looking for a replacement and am looking at the Bradford White URG140T6N which is about 58" tall.

Question: can I eliminate the pedestal and let the water heater stand on the garage floor if I go with the Bradford White URG140T6N?

I understand that the Bradford White is FVIR but wanted to add that my car is parked about 5 feet from the water heater.

 

[Jeff H Young]

on the garage floor AOK in ca for that water heater!

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Murphysf]

for natural gas can the gas line go directly into the gas control valve or does it need a sediment trap?

 

[wwhitney]

for natural gas can the gas line go directly into the gas control valve or does it need a sediment trap?

Here's the code language on the question: "Where a sediment trap is not incorporated as a part of the appliance, a sediment trap shall be installed downstream of the appliance shutoff valve as close to the inlet of the appliance as practical at the time of appliance installation."

Not sure if a modern water heater would incorporate a sediment trap or not. There's a list of exempt gas appliances, but water heaters and furnaces are not on the list (gas ranges and dryers are exempt).

https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-plumbing-code-2022/chapter/12/fuel-gas-piping#1212.9

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Jeff H Young]

install sediment trap its required by code and manufacture. no exception for your water heater it requires 2 nipples ,a tee , and a cap. very easy