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Mobile Home Water Heater

February 27, 2023

Can You Use a Regular Water Heater in a Mobile Home?

We are frequently asked, and often too late, if a standard tank style water heater can be installed in a mobile home aka manufactured home. The short answer is… No. Manufactured homes have very specific requirements for code compliance on water heaters, and for good reason.

Mobile home water heaters are different per code and HUD safety approval.

Mobile home water heaters will have a H.U.D. safety approval. Anything else used for a mobile home is against the law. It will also void the manufacturer’s warranty, and will nullify your insurance coverage. Look for a replacement water heater that is made specifically for mobile homes.

Standard Water Heaters in Mobile Homes

According to HUD’s Homeowners’ Center all manufactured homes must have water heaters with a non-adjustable temperature. Also, all water heaters must have a pressure-relief valve. The water heater installed must comply with the local building codes, which depends of the state of residency. It must also be owned by the homeowner, as rental water heaters are not accepted. Standard water heaters are generally not HUD-approved.This is because the square intake vent at the base is not completely sealed.

Some of the specific differences:

  • Mobile home water heaters have interchangeable gas and propane orifices so that the water heater can be converted from natural gas to propane gas operation. This is the main reason for the increased cost, as well as difficult access.
  • Mobile home water heaters have the cold-water inlet connection on the side and the hot water outlet connection on top. Residential water heaters have all connections on the top of the tank.
  • A mobile home heater comes with a securing strap kit
  • Regular water heaters are not built to be installed on combustible flooring

Water heaters in manufactured homes are typically in very tight spaces and can be difficult to remove and install, many require the removal of doors, door jams and can sometimes need custom cut access to fit the newer models.

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