How to Install a Water Tank Catch Basin

Catch basins can help your hot water tank continue supplying the water you need throughout your house and save your floor.

When you use appliances inside, such as a furnace or hot water heater, they sometimes can sweat depending on the outside temperature and the temperature of the liquid inside. When the temperatures differ from inside to outside, it can cause condensation. This condensation can cause excessive moisture to drip from the appliance, creating a puddle of water that can run underneath the tank and cause an electrical fire. A water tank catch basin can be an effective way to remedy these problems and avoid damage.

Things You'll Need

• Catch basin
• Screwdriver
• Metal mesh screen (1/4-inch holes or smaller)
• Tin snips
• Wrench
• Pliers
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the area around the water tank. Determine the size of the catch basin needed based on this measurement.

2. Shut off all the power to the water tank while you install the catch basin.

3. Place the catch basin in the appropriate place. Adjust the placement of the basin so that it sits directly beneath the tank.

4. Level the catch basin, ensuring that it sits completely flat. Make sure that there is no debris underneath the basin. Some basins are heavy enough that they will not need to be mounted to the floor. However, other basins will have hardware provided to mount them to various floor types. If you are mounting the basin to a tile or cement floor, spread the provided glue along the edges of the basin and mount it to the floor. Otherwise, drill the provided screws through the basin and into the floor underneath with a screwdriver.

5. Cover the top of the catch basin with the small grate that was provided with the basin kit and is fitted perfectly over the basin to prevent debris from getting into the catch basin. If your basin does not include a grate, simply cut a small square out of the metal mesh screen with the tin snips to place over the basin.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean out your catch basin on a regular basis. It may be something that requires cleaning once a week or once a month.

References

• HomTips.com: Hot Water Tanks