A water heater installed in a residential attic must have what feature below the unit?

A water heater installed in a residential attic must have what feature below the unit?

• A. A watertight pan
• B. An open tray
• C. No containment
• D. A plastic liner

Answer: (A)

Having a containment pan under a water heater in an attic is essential because leaks or overflow can occur and go unnoticed until they cause significant damage. A watertight pan catches and holds that water, and it is designed to drain safely away so the leak doesn’t soak insulation, ceilings, or electrical components. An open tray would allow water to spill and spread, while a plastic liner by itself does not provide true containment or proper drainage. That’s why the required feature is a watertight pan.

Having a containment pan under a water heater in an attic is essential because leaks or overflow can occur and go unnoticed until they cause significant damage. A watertight pan catches and holds that water, and it is designed to drain safely away so the leak doesn’t soak insulation, ceilings, or electrical components. An open tray would allow water to spill and spread, while a plastic liner by itself does not provide true containment or proper drainage. That’s why the required feature is a watertight pan.