If a home has a basement, that is usually where the hot water heater will be installed. But what if it's not? What if the home's old owner, for some reason or another, decided to install the water heater in a hall closet or in the bathroom? Should you have the water heater moved to the basement when you have a new one installed? Every situation is different, but in most cases, this is a good idea — and here's why.

A leak in the basement causes less damage

Of course, you never want your water heater to leak, and there's a good chance it never will. However, water heater leaks do happen sometimes. If your unit leaks upstairs in a closet or spare room, any leaks will damage flooring, walls, and maybe even some personal items. A leak in the basement will cause less damage, especially if you have a sump pump that will discharge the water right away.

Water heaters give off heat, which is best discharged in the basement

Today's water heaters are pretty well insulated, but they're still big tanks of hot water, and some of that heat is discharged into the air. This will make the room around your hot water heater warmer, which is not nice during the summer. Basements are usually cooler than the rest of the home, so having the water heater down there won't be as bothersome from a temperature standpoint.

You won't hear noises as clearly when your water heater is in the basement

Water heaters sometimes make some ticking noises as they heat up. If you find these noises annoying currently, moving the water heater to the basement should solve the problem as the noises are not loud enough to hear through a floor, in most cases.

Putting the water heater in the basement opens up more storage space

Think about all the other ways you can use the space that your water heater is currently occupying. You could turn the closet into an actual linen closet. You could use the area to store your books. The possibilities are endless. Most people have lots of basement space but not enough storage space, but relocating your water heater can change that.

If your hot water heater is not already in the basement, consider having your new one put in the basement. Doing so can lead to a lot of positive changes and benefits.

To learn more, reach out to a local water heater installation service.

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