If you live in Austin and San Antonio, chances are your water heater is in the attic. And if you’ve ever had it leak, you already know: it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
We get calls almost every day from homeowners dealing with water damage caused by a leaking attic water heater. Sometimes it’s just soggy drywall. Other times, the damage climbs into five-figure territory. Here’s why it’s such a common issue—and what you can do about it.
Why Are Water Heaters in the Attic, Anyway?
Simple answer: we don’t have basements in Austin. Most homes are built on slab foundations, so builders needed somewhere else to stash the water heater. Rather than sacrifice closet space, they took the easy route and put it in the attic.
From a design standpoint, it was convenient. But from a plumbing and safety standpoint? Not so much.
The Problem with Attic Water Heaters
We’ve installed and repaired thousands of attic water heaters over the last 20+ years, and we can confidently say: they’re not ideal. Here’s why:
- They will fail. Every water heater eventually leaks. When it’s up in your attic, that leak doesn’t stay contained—it moves through insulation, drywall, ceilings, and floors.
- They’re heavy. Getting a full-sized tank up attic stairs is one thing. Getting an old, calcium-filled one back down? That’s a workout nobody wants.
- They can be noisy. As they age, tank-style heaters can start knocking and rumbling—especially annoying when it’s right above your bedroom.
- They’re vulnerable to freeze damage. Yes, even in Austin. We’ve had freezes cold enough to burst attic plumbing, and the damage can be extensive.
The Good News? You’ve Got Options
The City of Austin is no longer allowing new builds with water heaters in the attic—and for good reason. But what if your home already has one up there?
Let’s move it.
Relocate to the Garage
If there’s space in your garage, we can reroute your plumbing and relocate the system. It’s safer, quieter, and way more accessible for maintenance.
Go Tankless (and Put It Outside)
We love tankless water heaters. They’re efficient, compact, and reliable. While they can be installed in the attic, we often recommend mounting them outside. That way, any future leaks or service needs stay out of your home entirely.
Benefits of an exterior tankless setup:
- Noise stays outside
- Service access is easier
- Leaks stay out of your walls and ceilings
Yes, freezing is a concern—but we know how to properly insulate and install these systems to protect them in cold snaps.
Just Call Radiant.
Ready to move your water heater out of the attic? Want to explore tankless options? Schedule online today and let’s protect your home the smart way.
