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Mobile Home Water Heater Maintenance and Repair Services in WA, OR, Northern & Southern CA
Does Your Mobile Home Water Heater Need Repair or Replacement?
No hot water!
Hot water lasts only 5-10 minutes
Fluctuating water temperatures
Hot water is scalding
Hot water is colored or rusty
Hot water contains sediments
Hot water smells bad
Your hot water bill is abnormally high
Makes strange noises
You see water pooled at the bottom of the unit
You see water leaking out
Error codes or warning lights
Reset hot water temperature, to no effect
You hear odd noises
Pilot light does not stay lit, or keeps on popping the breaker.
Replacing a water heater in a mobile home comes with unique challenges and considerations that differ from a standard residential home installation. Here’s what makes it different:
Mobile Homes require a HUD Compliant water heater
These water heaters contain a sealed combustion chamber preventing gas leaks, are designed for confined spaces, and meet specific venting requirements. Installing a regular residential water heater in a mobile home is illegal in most jurisdictions. Still thinking of installing a regular residential water heater in a mobile home, and not letting the government know about it? If that rogue water heater leads to an accident, the insurance company may not pay out. Most all residential tanks today are FVIR compliant containing a sealed combustion chamber. Gas water heaters must be mobile home or manufactured housing approved. Electric tanks do not.
Special Venting Requirements for Gas Water Heaters
Mobile homes have direct vent or sealed combustion venting, different from standard homes. This prevents carbon monoxide from leaking into the living space. Going with a regular gas water heater with a standard atmospheric vent water heater won’t meet code in a mobile home. Be sure to use a gas water heater intended for mobile homes containing a direct vent (through the side wall) or sealed combustion venting.
There are mobile home approved atmospheric vent gas waters available. These types can only be installed in outside access closets in the side of mobile homes as long as adequate combustion air is available. The mobile home approved direct vent models vent vertically through the roof, not the side wall.
Smaller Space & Clearance Issues
Mobile homes have smaller utility closets or compartments for water heaters, limiting the size of the tank. Standard water heaters may not fit. The clearance around the water heater for heat dissipation may not meet code.
Access Panel Requirements
Different Earthquake Requirements
Mobile homes are intended to shift and flex more than traditional homes. Mobile home water heaters should be strapped to the wall, same as residential water heaters.
Wiring for Electric Water Heaters
Mobile homes often have a 30-amp breaker and smaller gauge wiring (we’ve seen mobile homes as low as 20-25 map breakers). Some standard electric water heaters require higher amperage, which overload mobile home breakers. A mobile home rated electric water heater designed for low-power draw may be required.
Otherwise, standard electric water heaters can be installed in mobile/manufactured homes and do not need HUD approval. 25- and 30-amp breakers are common. 10 gage wire is required. A 25 amp breaker requires a 4500 watt tank; a 30 amp breaker requires a 5500 watt tank.
Drain Pan Requirement
Mobile home water heaters are usually installed in closets with little floor drainage, where a leak can cause significant damage to the subfloor. Drain pans are needed, with a pipe routed to the outside of the home.
Relocation Restrictions
Some folks want to use the occasion of replacing a new water heater as a reason for a minor renovation. However, if the old water heater was installed in a tight closet or hallway, moving it may violate code. Moving a mobile home water heater to another area, such as bedroom or living room, causes venting and clearance violations. Instead, these locations would require a direct vent type
Permits & Inspections
In Washington state, a water tank replacement may requires an inspection not through the city or county, but at the state level, through the Department of Labor and Industry. This is because of the strict HUD safety requirements. No surprise, navigating state level bureaucracy is its own specialty. Thinking of skipping? Then you may be voiding your insurance coverage. Other markets can be city or county
Weight Consideration for Subfloors
Mobile home subfloors are typically made of particleboard, plywood, or OSB, which may sag under heavy loads. Installing a larger or heavier water heater opens the location to floor damage.
Gas Line Connections For Gas Heaters
Mobile homes typically use smaller gas lines with lower pressure. Standard water heaters require more gas volume than the mobile home supply line can deliver. Without the right sizing, the water never reaches hot. Wether powered by propane or natural gass, the same concerns apply.
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