I want to hang a 250 kg (550 lbs) water heater on the exterior wall (this mass includes the water). The system to attach it is included (two metal bars, attached with 2 screws each).
The concrete wall (poured concrete) looks thick and sturdy, but it makes me a little uncomfortable anyway. Could hanging such a heavy object damage the wall, or make it more likely that cracks will appear in a few years?
If so I have the option to set the water heater on a pedestal first, before screwing it to the wall. But that would need the water heater is at the same level of the pipe outputs, which would make it hard to install. Opinions appreciated.
EDIT : Adding more context, as suggested in the comment
- My question is really about whether I can hang 250 kg using 4 screws (and metal bars), or whether that's too much for the wall. My question is NOT about the fastener, or the mounting hardware (this is provided with the water heater, so I trust it is solid enough).
- I do not intend to use the other side of the wall.
- I don't have access to other elements. As far as I know, there is no joist at all. This is just concrete.
- It is for a simple 200L electrical, tanked water heater. 1.20 m high, and 56 cm of width and breadth.
Best Answer
I'm not sure I understand your concern about putting it on a pedestal. Doesn't your plumbing need to match up with the inlet/outlet on the heater no matter how you mount the thing?
If you have fixed hard lines that you're trying to match up with, just build a pedestal to the proper height so its connections meet up with your existing lines, set the empty tank on it, use the included fasteners to also fasten it to the wall (overkill never hurts), then finish the plumbing connections.
If the lines need to run into the bottom of the tank (quite annoying, IMHO), build an open frame on which to set the heater without interfering with the location of the lines, then do as above.
If you've got flexible lines, then your pedestal height is mostly subject to how long a flexible line you've got/can get, and how high off the ground you want the tank. Again, follow installation from above.
Having something supporting the weight from below, whether wood, concrete block or steel seems to me to be the safest, surest way of doing it. Using the wall-mounting hardware provided by the manufacturer in addition simply adds to the security.