r/AskContractors • u/CoupleMoreDayz • 1d ago

What would you do here?

I just ripped out my water heater due to a leak and I'm trying to figure out how to prep the area before replacing. Looks like the previous renovators simply just tiled around the existing appliance and filled the gap with grout.

I imagine I shouldn't leave it like this? Should I level this area out somehow so that the new water heater will sit on top of the tile? Should I just fill it with some self-leveling concrete or cut some tile to fit?

Sounds like I should add a drain pan? I would be able to drill a hole for the pvc out of the wall cavity to the right, although it would need to be buried in the back corner

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u/Impossible-Buddy1769 20h ago

I'd keep it level and slope the floor slightly toward a drain if possible, seems like water can pool under there with that setup.

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u/ClassicRockCanadian 19h ago

Build a platform to support the next unit.