Shimming/Leveling hot water tank

unixb0y

Hi,

I'm planning on installing a new hot water tank but in a different location closer to the drain.

The problem is that the floor slopes towards the drain about 2-3 inches.

I'm looking for tips on how to level the tank.

Bob Mariani

Cut a sharp angle on a piece of pressure treated 2 X 4 to make a small wedge. Use one under each leg. Use PL400 to glue the shim in place.

Termite

A lot of plumbers take short pieces of 1/2" copper pipe and make shims out of them. Since it is malleable, you can do it with a hammer.

Of course treated wood wedges work too.

You can also buy plastic shims (for installing doors) at most box stores.

Bob Mariani

But not for 2-3". other wise this would be the way to go. Also I used the pipes, but I also thought this height may be a stability issue.

Termite

Sometime between the time I read the original post and the time I formulated my response, my brain misplaced the part about the 2-3" drop. Bob's right about the wood shims! Sorry for the confusion.

Honestly, if I were putting a new tank in a new area with that much slope, I would form up a level pad for it. One bag of sackrete would certainly do it.

DUDE!

I've seen where they set them up on bricks, shimming where needed.

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unixb0y

thekctermite,

Haha you must have ESP!

I did not set the thread to instant notification. So I missed the subsequent responses.

Anyway, I decided to put the tank in different location. I only need to raise the tank 3/4". I used composite wood shims.

I plan to move the tank in a couple of years after I add a washroom. The concrete floor will also be leveled at the same time.

My main concern now is that the shims will put uneven pressure on the bottom of the tank. Should i be concerned?