For routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs, water heaters should be?

Water heaters should be accessible for several important reasons related to routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Accessibility ensures that homeowners or service technicians can easily reach and examine the water heater without obstructions, facilitating necessary checks for safety, efficiency, and proper functioning. If water heaters are accessible, it allows for easier inspection of connections, valves, and overall condition, which can help in identifying issues such as leaks or corrosion early on.

In addition, routine maintenance tasks like flushing the tank, replacing anode rods, or checking for sediment build-up can be performed without difficulty if the water heater is easily reachable. This accessibility is crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and extending its lifespan.

In contrast, having the water heater concealed would make it difficult for inspections or repairs, potentially allowing small issues to develop into significant problems that could lead to costly repairs. Therefore, proper installation to ensure easy access is a key aspect of home safety and maintenance protocols regarding water heaters.