If you want to hide it, there are a few ways to do so.If you want a simple solution, a room divider can be used.You can get a cheap alternative by hanging curtains from the ceiling.An additional shelf of storage space is given by building a cabinet around your water heater.Your room will look great regardless of how you hide it.
Step 1: Measure the height of the water heating element.
Attach the measuring tape to the full height of the water heater by starting it at the bottom.If you want to hide the pipes from the public, you should include the height of them.As soon as you take the measurement, write it down.Since you can adjust how long a room divider is, the width and depth of the water heater are not as important as the height.
Step 2: You can buy a room divider that hides your water heater.
You can buy multi-panel room dividers online or at a home goods store.A tall one that is able to wrap around the sides is a good choice.If you want a divider that doesn't look out of place in your room, try to find one that matches the rest of the room's design.You may need to buy multiple if you can't find a room divider that can cover the water heater.Room dividers can be made from many different materials.Pick one that will fit in your space.
Step 3: A room divider is needed to surround your water heater.
Pull the panels apart if the room divider falls over.The divider needs to be pushed in front of the water heater so that one edge is against the wall.Wrap the divider around the water heater until you can't see it anymore.Push the divider against the wall whenever you need to get to the water heater.
Step 4: Measure the width and depth of the water tank.
Take a tape measure from one wall to the outer edge of the heater.Write down your measurement and add 4–5 inches to it so the curtain has room to spare.Take the depth measurement from the second wall behind the heater.To add a buffer, add another 4–5 inches to the measurement.Since it could create a fire hazard, don't install a curtain that touches the water heater.
Step 5: Find the ceiling's height.
Pull your tape measure straight up until you reach the ceiling by starting on the floor near the water heater.If the tape is not vertical, your measurement will be wrong.You know how long your curtain needs to be by writing down your measurement.
Step 6: The ceiling curtain track is the same length as the width and depth.
You can hang a curtain from the ceiling with curtain track.You can get a length of track that matches the combined length and width of your ceiling.If you want your curtain to wrap around the water heater completely, then you need to get corner sections of the track as well.You can buy curtain tracks at home or online.You can use a hacksaw to cut the track if you can't find the right length.
Step 7: There is a curtain track on the ceiling.
The end of the first track section should be against the wall.Before feeding screws into the holes on the ceiling, make sure the track isn't crooked.The track should stay in place if the screws are secured with an electric screwdriver.
Step 8: The curtain hooks should be on the first piece of track.
You should use curtain glider hooks that match the width of your track.Push the round end of the hook into the track.It is more difficult to put hooks on a curtain once you have finished the rest of the track.You can find curtain glider hooks at home goods stores.There are different sizes and styles of hooks.If you want your hooks to stand out, get hooks that match the hardware in the rest of the room.
Step 9: You need to install the rest of the curtain track.
The tracks should be on the ceiling.Feed screws into the holes along the lengths of the track pieces.Before using your electric screwdriver to secure the ends of the track, make sure they line up with the piece you already installed.If you need your curtain to wrap around in a corner, you may need to use an angle piece of track.
Step 10: There is a curtain hanging from the hooks.
You should get a curtain that is the same height as your ceiling.Spread the hooks around the track by guiding them through the holes in the curtain.To hide your water heater, slide the curtain along the track.The curtain in your room should match the other styles in the room.If your curtain is taller than you need it to be, you can use hem tape to shorten it.
Step 11: Measure the height, width, and depth of the water heater.
If you want to extend the tape up to the top edge, position it underneath the water heater.Measure how far from each wall you have your water heater from.If you want to have more space around the heater, add 2–3 inches to each measurement.You don't want to forget your measurements later on.
Step 12: To make your measurement, cut 1 in 4 in boards.
To cut out 5 pieces that correspond to your height, width, and depth, you need at least 1 in 4 in of lumber.If you want the piece you are cutting to hang over the edge, put your boards on a sturdy work surface.Hold the wood in place with your nondominant hand and cut through the pieces with a handsaw.If the dimensions of the cabinet are 50 by 18 inches, then you need 5 pieces that are at least 50 inches long, and 3 pieces with a length greater than 46 inches.The cabinet is supposed to be used with the water heater in the corner.If you don't have a water heater in the corner, you need 6 pieces of equal height, width, and depth.
Step 13: Attach the boards to the frames for your cabinet.
Place 2 boards between your cabinet's width and height and lay them out.The end of the board should be flush with the top board.The second board should be 3–4 inches from the bottom of the side pieces.The frame has 2 legs that extend out from the bottom.The process should be repeated for the other frame piece.It is recommended to leave room between the bottom of the board and the floor since gas water heaters can cause a build up of harmful gas if it is sealed.The frames are in the corner of the room.If you don't have a water heater in the corner, make 3 frames.
Step 14: The middle section needs to be covered with plywood.
Measure the inside window on each panel and add 1 inch to each side after you assemble the frame.Cut pieces of 4 inch (0.64 cm) plywood using a handsaw or table saw.Attach the panel to the frame with a staple around the outer edge of plywood.If you want it to stay in place, put it in every 2 inches along the edge.If you want your cabinet to look more decorative, you can use fabric.
Step 15: To make an L-shape, screw the frames together in the corner.
Place the frames on their legs so they form a right angle.Attach the wood pieces together so they don't move around.The cabinet shouldn't fall apart if a screw is placed every 4–5 inches.You can make a U-shape by adding the third frame to your cabinet.
Step 16: Attach the leg to the cabinet.
Attach the last short piece to the top corner of the cabinet with a screw.You can screw the last piece of wood onto the end of the short piece to hold it in place.You can put more weight on top of the cabinet if you add the extra leg.If you don't want to add an additional leg, you can store heavy items on top of the cabinet.If you make a cabinet with 3 sides, don't add an additional support leg.
Step 17: There are nails on top of the cabinet.
You can cut out the top piece if you measure the dimensions of the cabinet.You can use a single sheet of plywood or multiple 1 in 4 in plank of wood.To hold the top piece in place, cut the pieces to size and drive nails along the edge of the cabinet.The top of your cabinet may not fit in the space if it touches any pipes.
Step 18: To hide the cabinet, put it over the water heater.
Make sure the 2 paneled sides face out when you put the open end of the cabinet.Slowly push your cabinet.You can put the plank or plywood on top of the cabinet to make a shelf.detergents and laundry supplies may be kept on top of the water heater cabinet in the laundry room.