Electric water heater closet

I need to add an electric water heater closet for a bathroom remodel. The access door would be in an adjacent den area. Other than sufficient clearance for removal, does the door need sealing at the bottom, a lock, or anything else beyond a simple pre-hung hollow core door with a latch/knob?

I'm in the design phase so still flexible on the solution. Thanks for any help.

 

If necessary, it does not even need a door, since it is NOT a gas heater. If it were, there would be a LOT of restrictions, including you might not even be able to install it there.

 

You'll want to plan space adequate to have a water heater + thermal expansion tank + drip pan. Other than that, nothing special needed. If it's possible, it's always a good idea to have a nearby drain to connect to the drip pan (especially if there are finished areas on lower floors underneath where the water heater lives).

 

Here's my "closet." And it's been a PIA for 40 years.