Mobile home water heaters are very similar to regular water heaters that you find in traditional homes. However, there are some differences between the two. You can’t just interchange residential water heaters with mobile home water heaters
The most important thing to remember is that a mobile home water heater must meet certain requirements and certifications. Also, all mobile heater installations must have adequate ventilation and space. Lastly, mobile home water heaters must be secured to prevent them from moving.
The steps below will show you how to replace a standard (not sealed combustion) mobile home water heater on an exterior area of the mobile home.
Keep in mind, the specific steps and requirements for your water heater installation may vary depending on your location and the particular model of the water heater.
How to choose a new mobile water heater
Water heaters are usually replaced with new units that use the exact same fuel source as the original. The most common units are electric water heaters and gas water heaters.
Since the mobile home is small on space, the water heater will usually be located in a closet. This means that you can choose from a 30- to 40-gallon water heater tank.
HUD approved water heaters
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has specific standards for mobile home water heaters. All heaters approved for use within manufactured homes must have a label that indicates HUD compliance.
A standard heater that is not compliant with the local building code cannot be used in a mobile home. Also, non-compliant water heaters may cause problems for purposes of home insurance.
Water heaters for mobile homes usually have a few specific features:
- Side-mounted cold water inlet (sometimes, the hot water outlet is also located at the side tank).
- Conforms to HUD standards for insulation & energy efficiency
- Non-adjustable temperature and pressure relief valve
- Smaller in size than standard units
- If installed indoors, gas heaters are sealed-combustion
Types of water heater fuel
Gas heaters can use natural gas or propane depending on where they are located. It is possible to convert to another fuel type, although it can be expensive.
The home’s electrical panel must be able to accommodate an electric water heater. Gas heaters require a gas supply and special accommodations to allow for combustion air and exhaust.
A permit is required to install new circuits or plumbing connections for different fuel types. This can increase the cost of replacing mobile water heaters.
Water heater location
No matter how large your mobile home is, the location of the water heater is important. This is especially true for gas water heaters.
A water heater that is located inside a mobile house, such as in a closet, alcove, or other space with no access to the outside, must be a sealed-combustion unit. This ensures that there is no connection between heater’s intake/exhaust and the home’s ambient air.
A standard gas water heater can be used for a mobile home if it is installed on an exterior of the home with an exterior compartment that can only be opened from the outside.
How to replace mobile home water heaters
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace a mobile home water heater:
Step 1: Turn off the power and gas supply to the water heater
Before you begin working on the water heater, it’s important to make sure it is not receiving any power or gas.
Shut off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker and shut off the gas supply at the valve on the gas line.
Step 2: Drain the water heater
To drain the water heater, attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the hose to a nearby drain or outside. Open the drain valve and allow the water to flow out of the tank.
Step 3: Disconnect the gas line and water supply lines
Once the water heater is drained, you can begin to disconnect the gas line and water supply lines. The gas line will likely be connected to the water heater with a flexible metal hose, which you can disconnect by loosening the compression fitting at either end of the hose.
The water supply lines will be connected to the water heater with flexible supply lines or pipes, which can be disconnected by loosening the compression fittings or by using a pipe wrench to loosen the fittings.
Step 4: Remove the old water heater
Once the gas and water supply lines are disconnected, you can remove the old water heater. Start by removing any insulation or protective covering around the water heater. Then, use a pipe wrench to loosen the mounting brackets that hold the water heater in place. Once the brackets are loose, you should be able to lift the water heater out of its location and set it aside.
Step 5: Install the new water heater
Before installing the new water heater, make sure it fits in the designated location and that all the necessary gas and water supply lines are in place. Once everything is set up, lift the new water heater into place and secure it with the mounting brackets.
Step 6: Connect the gas and water supply lines
Once the new water heater is in place, you can begin to connect the gas and water supply lines. Start by attaching the gas line to the water heater using a flexible metal hose and tightening the compression fittings. Then, connect the water supply lines to the water heater using flexible supply lines or pipes and tightening the compression fittings or using a pipe wrench to secure the fittings.
Step 7: Turn the power and gas supply back on
Once the gas and water supply lines are connected, you can turn the power and gas supply back on. Turn the gas valve back on and flip the circuit breaker for the water heater.
Step 8: Test the new water heater
Before you consider the installation complete, it’s a good idea to test the new water heater to make sure it is working properly. Turn on the hot water tap in a nearby sink or shower and wait for the hot water to flow. If the water heater is working correctly, you should have hot water within a few minutes.
Conclusion
Replacing a mobile home water heater can be a challenging task, but with some basic knowledge and the right tools, it’s a job that most homeowners can handle on their own. By following the above steps, you should be able to replace your mobile home water heater quickly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard-sized water heater for a mobile house?
A 30-gallon water heater is common in mobile homes, but there are 40-gallon tanks which can be installed in mobile homes. There are also smaller HUD-approved 28 gallon tanks that can be used to provide water for one person in a mobile home.
A 30- or 40-gallon tank can serve one to four people. A 50-gallon tank, which can serve four to six people, would not normally be possible to install in a mobile home. Remember that a shower typically uses 20 gallons water.
How long does a mobile hot water heater last?
Your hot water heater will not last forever, regardless of whether you live in a mobile or traditional home. Hot water heaters need to be replaced every 8 to 12 years.
Can you use a tankless water heater in a mobile home?
Yes, tankless water heaters are compatible with mobile homes. If you have need of a capacity of 30 gallons or more, you should use a tankless electric heater.
