In a perfect world, showers never run out of hot water, water heaters last forever, and water heaters never experience leaks. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world.
When your water heater leaks from the bottom, you need a place for the water to go, known as a water heater drain pan (aka water heater drip pan).
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
How does a water heater drip pan work?
What are the different types of water heater drain pans?
What should you look for in a water heater drain pan?
This black, circular drip pan is made out of a plastic polymer that will never corrode, and it has a 2” depth. You won’t have any trouble placing the pan under any storage-tank water heater, and you can use it for other appliances as well.
You may not want to use this product for commercial use or extremely hot temperatures.
Oatey offers a 1-year limited warranty, and it adheres to all building codes.
A drain pan is a container that fits underneath your water heater to collect water that comes from your water heater as a result of condensation, water heater leak, or the pressure relief valve opening.
Not only do water heater drain pans eliminate water damage in your home, but they are also required as part of residential building codes in most metropolitan areas.
Ideally, you will install the drain pan when you get a new water heater installed. Otherwise, you may need to lift your existing water heater in order to install the drip pan. To lift the water heater, you can use water heater straps or a water heater jack.
You will attach a garden hose or drain pipe to the drip pan at a drain fitting on the side of the pan. The hose will lead the excess water to a nearby drain or outside.
Some people will use the drain pan for other appliances as well, such as a washing machine.
What Are The Different Types Of Water Heater Drain Pans?
Round Water Heater Drain Pan vs Square Water Heater Drain Pan
You will notice that you can choose between round drip pans and square drip pans.
Most water heater tanks come in a round shape, so you may want to pick a shape that matches your water heater.
However, square water pans can work with a larger range of appliances that may have a square shape.
Plastic Drain Pan vs Metal Drain Pan
You will find drip pans made out of either plastic and metal.
Plastic drain pans cost less and don’t experience corrosion. However, they don’t last as long. They may also crack during the installation process and may not be able to withstand extreme temperatures.
Metal drip pans are either aluminum or steel. An aluminum pan doesn’t experience corrosion, but it is not not as sturdy. Metal drip pans last the longest, but they cost the most.
Wall-Mount Drip Pan
If you have a tankless water heater, a drip pan with a wall mount is the best option. The wall mount allows the pan to rest immediately underneath the tankless unit.
What Do You Look For In The Best Water Heater Drain Pan?
Drip Pan Size
This is a situation when size definitely matters. The water heater must fit in the pan comfortably. While many tanks are similarly sized, be sure to measure the base if you have a short vs. tall water heater. “Low boys” can be wider than the average unit.
To measure for a round pan, always use the measurement of the inside diameter instead of the outside diameter.
Don’t forget to consider the height of the drain pan as well. You will need to know how much space you need under your water heater to ensure it fits.
Drain Pan Brand
Many brands make water heater accessories. Picking a reliable brand means you can rely on the product. If something goes wrong, you can trust the brand to make it right with a reasonable warranty program.
Some brand names you can depend on include:
Oatey
Eastman
Everflow
Top 5 Best Water Heater Drain Pans Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This black, circular drip pan is made out of a plastic polymer that will never corrode, and it has a 2” depth. You won’t have any trouble placing the pan under any storage-tank water heater, and you can use it for other appliances as well.
You may not want to use this product for commercial use or extremely hot temperatures.
Oatey offers a 1-year limited warranty, and it adheres to all building codes.
This top-of-the-line square drip pan uses galvanized steel to ensure durability and longevity. You get the pan, male PVC fitting, rubber gasket, and plastic nut.
You can remove the front edge of the pan to make installation easier than any other option available.
This round 26” drip pan has a flexible design to minimize cracking in the heavy-duty plastic material.
The water pan works with either an electric water heater or gas water heater with a 24” circumference water heater tank, and it is compatible with most water heater stands..
You can mount this water heater drain pan on the wall, making it appropriate for tankless water heaters also mounted on the wall.
The aesthetically pleasing galvanized steel pan also has hemmed edges to increase durability.
Pros
Attractive
Mounts to the wall
Suitable for tankless water heaters
Cons
More in-depth installation
Expensive
Smaller size
Final Thoughts On Best Water Heater Drain Pan
You can save yourself from frustrating and costly repairs from water heater leaks with a water heater drain pan. You have many options, but you can’t go wrong with any of the 5 water heater drain pans we’ve reviewed.
FAQs for Water Heater Drain Pans
Do you recommend a drip pan for the water heater?
Yes! We absolutely recommend a drain pan for all water heaters.
Can I drain a water heater into the drain pan?
The water exits the drain pan through a pipe or hose to a floor drain or outside.
How much does it cost to install a drip pan for a water heater?
It can cost hundreds of dollars for professional installation with a plumber.
You can install the drip pan yourself with the help of water heater lifting straps or a jack.
How do you install a hot water heater drain pan?
You install a water heater drain pan by lifting the water heater and placing the pan underneath the water heater before gently placing the water heater on top of it.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
