Propane water heater

[Wade Johnson]

Can a Rheem water heater manufactured in 2009. Model # 42V50-36 PF sit directly on a garage floor or does it have to be 18 inches off the floor?

[James Duffin]

All I could find in the installation manual was the following quote:

"If local codes require the use of a stand kit
to raise the water heater 18” above the
floor, please contact the store where the
water heater was purchased, or any water
heater distributor. These kits must comply
with local codes."

Based on this I would say yes to your question but you would need to check you local codes.

[John Kogel]

As far as I can tell, the "sealed" units draw combustion air a few inches above the floor rather than 1 or 2 inches. I don't see where there would be any difference, still needs to be 18 inches up (or maybe 16 inches).I think he is asking if that is a "flame-guard" unit, and I don't have an answer either. More info, please.

[Ian Page]

Being that Propane is heavier than natural gas, more difficult to disperse, likely to 'pool' in the vicinity of any leak and therefore more combustable, an 18" min. lift for the WH is required, I believe.

[Jerry Peck]

http://www.roberts-hamilton.com/Data/300.pdf

Scroll down to 'Tall LP Gas' on the first page and you will find 42V50-36PF, then at the bottom of that page you will find:

Exclusive Combustion Shut-off System
Should a spill incident occur, the system shuts off the gas supply and the air supply preventing a sustained vapor burn in the combustion chamber.

Flame Arrestor Plate
A specially designed flame arrestor prevents ignition of vapors outside the combustion chamber.

Maintenance Free
Superior air filtration prevents the flame arrestor from becoming clogged by lint, dust and oil.

This is the closest I can find for an installation instruction: http://globalimageserver.com/fetchDocument.aspx?id=01091171-3bac-4cb9-a0a8-a11aac3bd668