Chocks for heater above gray water tank?

[Dean E]

Are chocks necessary for water heaters?

I installed a new six-gallon Suburban water heater. The instructions say to install two chocks tightly, one on each side of the water heater jacket, and fasten to the floor to prevent movement. Chocks should be about 2 X 2 X 6 in long.

However, the water heater is located directly above the gray water tank. I think that it is too risky to screw the chocks to the floor. The screw tips might penetrate the tank.

No chocks were installed originally. I haven't noticed chocks in any on-line photos of water heaters.

I am considering using a longish 2X4, pushing it against one side of the water heater, screwing down the 2X4 safely away from the gray water tank, and wrapping metal pipe hanger strip around the water heater with both ends secured to the 2X4.

Any opinions on the necessity of using the chocks--or suggestions about alternate chocking methods?

[Dean E]

Here is a diagram from the water heater's factory brochure. (I'm learning how to add photos.)

[Skater]

Could you just use a construction adhesive to glue them down?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Dean E

However, the water heater is located directly above the gray water tank. I think that it is too risky to screw the chocks to the floor. The screw tips might penetrate the tank.

The key lies in the answer to this question: How thick is the floor? As long as the screws are long enough to provide good holding in the floor, but not long enough to pentrate all the way through the floor, your gray tank will be completely safe.

There's a way to tip the scales in your favor if your floor is thin. Once you determine the proper screw length and insert the screws, take the screws back out. Fill the screw holes in the floor (but not in the chocks) with an epoxy glue. Then put the screws back in before the epoxy hardens. The screws will be glued in place and won't come loose.

If you ever have to remove the screws again afterwards you may have to cut them off with a hacksaw blade, though.